Preface
History
The State of Florida first mandated statewide building codes during the 1970s at the beginning of the modern construction boom. The first law required all municipalities and counties to adopt and enforce one of the four state-recognized model codes known as the "state minimum building codes." During the early 1990s a series of natural disasters, together with the increasing complexity of building construction regulation in vastly changed markets, led to a comprehensive review of the state building code system. The study revealed that building code adoption and enforcement was inconsistent throughout the state and those local codes thought to be the strongest proved inadequate when tested by major hurricane events. The consequences of the building codes system failure were devastation to lives and economies and a statewide property insurance crisis. The response was a reform of the state building construction regulatory system that placed emphasis on uniformity and accountability.
The 1998 Florida Legislature amended Chapter 553, Florida Statutes (FS), Building Construction Standards, to create a single state building code that is enforced by local governments. As of March 1, 2002, the Florida Building Code, which is developed and maintained by the Florida Building Commission, supersedes all local building codes. The Florida Building Code is updated every three years and may be amended annually to incorporate interpretations and clarifications.
Scope
The Florida Building Code is based on national model building codes and national consensus standards which are amended where necessary for Florida's specific needs. The code incorporates all building construction-related regulations for public and private buildings in the State of Florida other than those specifically exempted by Section 553.73, Florida Statutes. It has been harmonized with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which is developed and maintained by the Department of Financial Services, Office of the State Fire Marshal, to establish unified and consistent standards.
The base codes for the 2007 edition of the Florida Building Code include: the International Building Code®, 2006 edition; the International Plumbing Code®, 2006 edition; the International Mechanical Code®, 2006 edition; the International Fuel Gas Code®, 2006 edition; the International Residential Code®, 2006 edition; the International Existing Building Code®, 2006 edition; the National Electrical Code, 2008 edition; the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Housing Guidelines, and; substantive criteria from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1-2004. State and local codes adopted and incorporated into the code include the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction, the Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction and special hurricane protection standards for the high-velocity hurricane zone.
The code is composed of seven main volumes: the Florida Building Code, Building, which also includes Chapter 13 (energy efficiency) and Chapter 11(accessibility) as well as state regulations for licensed facilities; the Florida Building Code, Plumbing; the Florida Building Code, Mechanical; the Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas; the Florida Existing Building Code; the Florida Building Code, Residential; and the Florida Building Code, Test Protocols for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones. Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building, adopts the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, by reference.
Under certain strictly defined conditions, local governments may amend requirements to be more stringent than the code. All local amendments to the Florida Building Code must be adopted by local ordinance and reported to the Florida Building Commission then posted on www.floridabuilding.org in Legislative format for a month before being enforced. Local amendments to the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code may be obtained from the Florida Building Commission web site, or from the Florida Department of Community Affairs or the Florida Department of Financial Services, Office of the State Fire Marshal, respectively.
Adoption and Maintenance
The Florida Building Code is adopted and updated with new editions triennially by the Florida Building Commission. It is amended annually to incorporate interpretations, clarifications and to update standards. Minimum requirements for permitting, plans review and inspections are established by the code, and local jurisdictions may adopt additional administrative requirements that are more stringent. Local technical amendments are subject to strict criteria established by Section 553.73, F.S. They are subject to commission review and adoption into the code or repeal when the code is updated triennially and are subject to appeal to the Commission according to the procedures established by Section 553.73, F.S.
Ten Technical Advisory Committees (TACs), which are constituted consistent with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Guidelines, review proposed code changes and clarifications of the code and make recommendations to the Commission. These TACs whose membership is constituted consistent with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Guidelines include: Accessibility; Joint Building Fire (a joint committee of the Commission and the State Fire Marshal); Building Structural; Code Administration/ Enforcement; Electrical; Energy; Mechanical; Plumbing and Fuel Gas; Roofing; and Special Occupancy (state agency construction and facility licensing regulations).
The Commission may only issue official code clarifications using procedures of Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. To obtain such a clarification, a request for a Declaratory Statement (DEC) must be made to the Florida Building Commission in a manner that establishes a clear set of facts and circumstances and identifies the section of the code in question. Requests are analyzed by staff, reviewed by the appropriate Technical Advisory Committee, and sent to the Florida Building Commission for a first action. Draft Declaratory Statements are subject to public comment and are finalized by the Commission at its next meeting. These interpretations establish precedents for situations having similar facts and circumstances and are typically incorporated into the code in the next code amendment cycle. Non-binding opinions are available from the Building Officials Association of Florida's web site (www.BOAF.net) and a Binding Opinion process is available online at www.floridabuilding.org.
Letter Designations in Front of Section Numbers
In each code development cycle, proposed changes to the code are considered at the Code Development Hearings by the ICC Mechanical Code Development Committee, whose action constitutes a recommendation to the voting membership for final action on the proposed change. Proposed changes to a code section that has a number beginning with a letter in brackets are considered by a different code development committee. For example, proposed changes to code sections that have [B] in front of them (e.g. [B] 601.2) are considered by the International Building Code Development Committee at the code development hearings.
The content of sections in this code that begin with a letter designation are maintained by another code development committee in accordance with the following:
[B] = International Building Code Development Committee;
[EC] = International Energy Conservation Code Development Committee;
[F] = International Fire Code Development Committee;
[FG] = International Fuel Gas Code Development Committee.
Marginal Markings
Vertical lines in the margins within the body of the code indicate a change from the requirements of the base codes to the 2007 Florida Building Code effective March 1, 2009.
An * inserted in the margin indicates a change from the 2007 Florida Building Code to the 2009 Florida Building Code revisions, effective March 1, 2009.
Sections deleted from the base code are designated "Reserved."
An ** inserted in the margin indicates a change from the 2007 Florida Building Code to the 2009 Florida Building Code revisions, effective October 1, 2009.
Acknowledgments
The Florida Building Code is produced through the efforts and contributions of building designers, contractors, product manufacturers, regulators and other interested parties who participate in the Florida Building Commission's consensus processes, Commission staff and the participants in the national model code development processes.
Administration
SECTION 101 GENERAL
101.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 1, Florida Building Code, Building shall govern the administration and enforcement of the Florida Building Code, Mechanical.
101.2 Scope. Reserved.
101.3 Intent. Reserved.
101.4 Severability. Reserved.
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SECTION 102 APPLICABILITY RESERVED
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SECTION 103 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL INSPECTION RESERVED
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SECTION 104 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL RESERVED
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SECTION 105 APPROVAL RESERVED
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SECTION 106 PERMITS RESERVED
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SECTION 107 INSPECTIONS AND TESTING RESERVED
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SECTION 108 VIOLATIONS RESERVED
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SECTION 109 MEANS OF APPEAL RESERVED
Definitions
SECTION 201 GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings indicated in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the Florida Building Code, Building, Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building, Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas or the Florida Building Code, Plumbing, such terms shall have meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have the meanings as defined in Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged.
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SECTION 202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS
ABRASIVE MATERIALS. Moderately abrasive particulate in high concentrations, and highly abrasive particulate in moderate and high concentrations, such as alumina, bauxite, iron silicate, sand and slag.
ABSORPTION SYSTEM. A refrigerating system in which refrigerant is pressurized by pumping a chemical solution of refrigerant in absorbent, and then separated by the addition of heat in a generator, condensed (to reject heat), expanded, evaporated (to provide refrigeration), and reabsorbed in an absorber to repeat the cycle; the system may be single or multiple effect, the latter using multiple stages or internally cascaded use of heat to improve efficiency.
ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement of a panel, door or similar obstruction [see also "Ready access (to)"].
ADDITION. An extension or increase in conditioned floor area or height of a building or structure. (Reference Chapter 13, Section13-101.1.2 and Section13-101.2.2, of the Florida Building Code, Building).
AIR. All air supplied to mechanical equipment and appliances for combustion, ventilation, cooling, etc. Standard air is air at standard temperature and pressure, namely, 70°F (21°C) and 29.92 inches of mercury (101.3 kPa).
AIR BARRIER. Relating to air distribution systems, a material object(s) which impedes or restricts the free movement of air under specified conditions. For fibrous glass duct, the air barrier is its foil cladding; for flexible nonmetal duct, the air barrier is the nonporous core; and for sheet metal duct and air handling units, the air barrier is the metal in contact with the air stream. For mechanical closets, the air barrier may be a uniform panelized material such as gypsum wall board which meets ASTM C 36, or it may be a membrane which alone acts as an air barrier which is attached to a panel, such as the foil cladding of fibrous glass duct board.
Relating to the building envelope, air barriers comprise the planes of primary resistance to air flow between the interior spaces of a building and the outdoors and the planes of primary air flow resistance between adjacent air zones of a building, including planes between adjacent conditioned and unconditioned air spaces of a building. To be classed as an air barrier, a building plane must be substantially leak free; that is, it shall have an air leakage rate not greater than 0.5 cfm/ft2 when subjected to an air pressure gradient of 25 pascal. In general, air barriers are made of durable, nonporous materials and are sealed to adjoining wall, ceiling or floor surfaces with a suitable long-life mastic. House wraps and taped and sealed dry-wall may constitute an air barrier but dropped acoustical tile ceilings (T-bar ceilings) may not. Batt insulation facings and asphalt-impregnated fiberboard and felt paper are not considered air barriers.
AIR CONDITIONING. The process of treating air to control its temperature, humidity, cleanliness and distribution to meet requirements of the conditioned space.
AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM. A system that consists of heat exchangers, blowers, filters, supply, exhaust and return ducts, and shall include any apparatus installed in connection therewith.
AIR DIILUTION. The air that enters the relief opening of a draft hood or draft diverter, or the air that enters another opening in an appliance flue or venting system.
AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. Includes all building elements (duct systems, air handling units, cavities of the building structure and mechanical closets) through which air is delivered to or from the conditioned spaces.
AIR, EXHAUST. Air being removed from any space, appliance or piece of equipment and conveyed directly to the atmosphere by means of openings or ducts.
AIR-HANDLING UNIT. The fan unit of a furnace and the fan-coil unit of a split-system, packaged air conditioner or heat pump.
AIR, MAKEUP. Air that is provided to replace air being exhausted.
AIR POROSITY. The ability to transmit air through minute openings in a substance or material.
ALTERATION. A change in a mechanical system that involves an extension, addition or change to the arrangement, type or purpose of the original installation.
APPLIANCE. A device or apparatus that is manufactured and designed to utilize energy and for which this code provides specific requirements.
APPLIANCE, EXISTING. Any appliance regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.
APPLIANCE TYPE.
High-heat appliance. Any appliance in which the products of combustion at the point of entrance to the flue under normal operating conditions have a temperature greater than 2,000°F (1093°C).
Low-heat appliance (residential appliance). Any appliance in which the products of combustion at the point of entrance to the flue under normal operating conditions have a temperature of 1,000°F (538°C) or less.
Medium-heat appliance. Any appliance in which the products of combustion at the point of entrance to the flue under normal operating conditions have a temperature of more than 1,000°F (538°C), but not greater than 2,000°F (1093°C).
APPLIANCE, VENTED. An appliance designed and installed in such a manner that all of the products of combustion are conveyed directly from the appliance to the outdoor atmosphere through an approved chimney or vent system.
APPROVED. Acceptable to the code official or other authority having jurisdiction.
APPROVED AGENCY. An established and recognized agency that is approved by the code official and regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services.
ATTIC. An enclosed unconditioned space located immediately below an uninsulated roof and immediately above the ceiling of a building. For the roof to be considered insulated, roof insulation shall be at least the R-value required to meet Section 13-404.ABC.1 or Section13-604.ABC.1 of Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code, Building.
AUTOMATIC BOILER. Any class of boiler that is equipped with the controls and limit devices specified in Chapter 10.
BATHROOM. A room containing a bathtub, shower, spa or similar bathing fixture.
BOILER. A closed heating appliance intended to supply hot water or steam for space heating, processing or power purposes. Low-pressure boilers operate at pressures less than or equal to 15 pounds per square inch (psi) (103 kPa) for steam and 160 psi (1103 kPa) for water. High-pressure boilers operate at pressures exceeding those pressures.
BOILER, HOT WATER SUPPLY. Any vessel used for generating hot water to be used external to the vessel, which exceeds any of the following limitations:
1. A heat input capacity of 400,000 Btu/h (117.2 kW).
2. A water temperature of 210°F (98°C).
3. A nominal water capacity of 120 gal (454 L).
BOILER ROOM. A room primarily utilized for the installation of a boiler.
BRAZED JOINT. A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures or alloys which melt at a temperature above 1,000°F (538°C), but lower than the melting temperature of the parts to be joined.
BRAZING. A metal joining process wherein coalescence is produced by the use of a nonferrous filler metal having a melting point above 1,000°F (538°C), but lower than that of the base metal being joined. The filler material is distributed between the closely fitted surfaces of the joint by capillary attraction.
BTU. Abbreviation for British thermal unit, which is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound (454 g) of water 1°F (0.56°C) (1 Btu = 1055 J).
BUILDING. Any structure that includes provision for any of the following or any combination of the following: a space heating system, a space cooling system or a service water heating system. For the purpose of this code each portion of a building separated from other portions by a rated fire wall shall be considered as a separate building. The term "building" shall be construed as if followed by the words "or part thereof."
CHIMNEY. A primarily vertical structure containing one or more flues, for the purpose of carrying gaseous products of combustion and air from a fuel-burning appliance to the outdoor atmosphere.
Factory-built chimney. A listed and labeled chimney composed of factory-made components, assembled in the field in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and the conditions of the listing.
Masonry chimney. A field-constructed chimney composed of solid masonry units, bricks, stones or concrete.
Metal chimney. A field-constructed chimney of metal.
CHIMNEY CONNECTOR. A pipe that connects a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney.
CLEARANCE. The minimum distance through air measured between the heat-producing surface of the mechanical appliance, device or equipment and the surface of the combustible material or assembly.
CLOSED COMBUSTION SOLID-FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE. A heat-producing appliance that employs a combustion chamber that has no openings other than the flue collar, fuel charging door and adjustable openings provided to control the amount of combustion air that enters the combustion chamber.
CLOTHES DRYER. An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heat. Dryer classifications are as follows:
Type 1. Factory-built package, multiple production. Primarily used in family living environment. Usually the smallest unit physically and in function output.
Type 2. Factory-built package, multiple production. Used in business with direct intercourse of the function with the public. Not designed for use in individual family living environment.
CODE. These regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation that the administrative authority having jurisdiction has lawfully adopted.
CODE OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
COMBUSTIBLE ASSEMBLY. Wall, floor, ceiling or other assembly constructed of one or more component materials that are not defined as noncombustible.
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS. Any liquids having a flash point at or above 100°F (38°C), and that are divided into the following classifications:
Class II. Liquids having flash points at or above 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C).
Class IIIA. Liquids having flash points at or above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C).
Class IIIB. Liquids having flash points at or above 200°F (93°C).
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. Any material not defined as noncombustible.
COMBUSTION. In the context of this code, refers to the rapid oxidation of fuel accompanied by the production of heat or heat and light.
COMBUSTION AIR. Air necessary for complete combustion of a fuel, including theoretical air and excess air.
COMBUSTION CHAMBER. The portion of an appliance within which combustion occurs.
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS. Constituents resulting from the combustion of a fuel with the oxygen of the air, including the inert gases, but excluding excess air.
COMMERCIAL COOKING RECIRCULATING SYSTEM. Self-contained system consisting of the exhaust hood, the cooking equipment, the filters, and the fire suppression system. The system is designed to capture cooking vapors and residues generated from commercial cooking equipment. The system removes contaminants from the exhaust air and recirculates the air to the space from which it was withdrawn.
COMMERCIAL COOKING APPLIANCES. Appliances used in a commercial food service establishment for heating or cooking food and which produce grease vapors, steam, fumes, smoke or odors that are required to be removed through a local exhaust ventilation system. Such appliances include deep fat fryers; upright broilers; griddles; broilers; steam-jacketed kettles; hot-top ranges; under-fired broilers (charbroilers); ovens; barbecues; rotisseries; and similar appliances. For the purpose of this definition, a food service establishment shall include any building or a portion thereof used for the preparation and serving of food.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOODS.
Backshelf hood. A backshelf hood is also referred to as a low-proximity hood, or as a sidewall hood where wall mounted. Its front lower lip is low over the appliance(s) and is "set back" from the front of the appliance(s). It is always closed to the rear of the appliances by a panel where free-standing, or by a panel or wall where wall mounted, and its height above the cooking surface varies. (This style of hood can be constructed with partial end panels to increase its effectiveness in capturing the effluent generated by the cooking operation).
Double island canopy hood. A double island canopy hood is placed over back-to-back appliances or appliance lines. It is open on all sides and overhangs both fronts and the sides of the appliance(s). It could have a wall panel between the backs of the appliances. (The fact that exhaust air is drawn from both sides of the double canopy to meet in the center causes each side of this hood to emulate a wall canopy hood, and thus it functions much the same with or without an actual wall panel between the backs of the appliances).
Eyebrow hood. An eyebrow hood is mounted directly to the face of an appliance, such as an oven and dishwasher, above the opening(s) or door(s) from which effluent is emitted, extending past the sides and overhanging the front of the opening to capture the effluent.
Pass-over hood. A pass-over hood is a free-standing form of a backshelf hood constructed low enough to pass food over the top.
Single island canopy hood. A single island canopy hood is placed over a single appliance or appliance line. It is open on all sides and overhangs the front, rear, and sides of the appliance(s). A single island canopy is more susceptible to cross drafts and requires a greater exhaust air flow than an equivalent sized wall-mounted canopy to capture and contain effluent generated by the cooking operation(s).
Wall canopy hood. A wall canopy exhaust hood is mounted against a wall above a single appliance or line of appliance(s), or it could be free-standing with a back panel from the rear of the appliances to the hood. It overhangs the front and sides of the appliance(s) on all open sides.
The wall acts as a back panel, forcing the makeup air to be drawn across the front of the cooking equipment, thus increasing the effectiveness of the hood to capture and contain effluent generated by the cooking operation(s).
COMPENSATING HOODS. Compensating hoods are those having integral (built-in) makeup air supply. The makeup air supply for such hoods is generally supplied from: short-circuit flow from inside the hood, air curtain flow from the bottom of the front face, and front face discharge from the outside front wall of the hood. The compensating makeup airflow can also be supplied from the rear or side of the hood, or the rear, front, or sides of the cooking equipment. The makeup airflow can be one or a combination of methods.
COMPRESSOR. A specific machine, with or without accessories, for compressing a gas.
COMPRESSOR, POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT. A compressor in which increase in pressure is attained by changing the internal volume of the compression chamber.
COMPRESSOR UNIT. A compressor with its prime mover and accessories.
CONCEALED LOCATION. A location that cannot be accessed without damaging permanent parts of the building structure or finish surface. Spaces above, below or behind readily removable panels or doors shall not be considered as concealed.
CONDENSATE. The liquid that condenses from a gas (including flue gas) caused by a reduction in temperature.
CONDENSER. A heat exchanger designed to liquefy refrigerant vapor by removal of heat.
CONDENSING UNIT. A specific refrigerating machine combination for a given refrigerant, consisting of one or more power-driven compressors, condensers, liquid receivers (when required), and the regularly furnished accessories.
CONDITIONED SPACE. That volume of a structure which is either mechanically heated, cooled or both heated and cooled by direct means. Spaces within the thermal envelope that are not directly conditioned shall be considered buffered unconditioned space. Such spaces may include, but are not limited to, mechanical rooms, stairwells and unducted spaces beneath roofs and between floors. Air leakage into dropped ceiling cavities does not constitute conditioned space. For residential energy purposes; see "SPACE (a) conditioned space," Chapter 11 Section N1100.7.3 of the Florida Building Code, Residential.
CONFINED SPACES. A space having a volume less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 British thermal units per hour (Btu/h) (4.8 m3/kW) of the aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in that space.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. All of the written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of the project necessary for obtaining a building permit. The construction drawings shall be drawn to an appropriate scale.
CONTROL. A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system.
CONVERSION BURNER. A burner designed to supply gaseous fuel to an appliance originally designed to utilize another fuel.
COOKING APPLIANCE. See "Commercial cooking appliances."
DAMPER. A manually or automatically controlled device to regulate draft or the rate of flow of air or combustion gases.
Volume damper. A device that, when installed, will restrict, retard or direct the flow of air in a duct, or the products of combustion in a heat-producing appliance, its vent connector, vent or chimney therefrom.
DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION. Reserved.
DESIGN WORKING PRESSURE. The maximum allowable working pressure for which a specific part of a system is designed.
DIRECT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM. A system in which the evaporator or condenser of the refrigerating system is in direct contact with the air or other substances to be cooled or heated.
DIRECT-VENT APPLIANCES. Appliances that are constructed and installed so that all air for combustion is derived from the outdoor atmosphere and all flue gases are discharged to the outdoor atmosphere.
DRAFT. The pressure difference existing between the appliance or any component part and the atmosphere, that causes a continuous flow of air and products of combustion through the gas passages of the appliance to the atmosphere.
Induced draft. The pressure difference created by the action of a fan, blower or ejector, that is located between the appliance and the chimney or vent termination.
Natural draft. The pressure difference created by a vent or chimney because of its height, and the temperature difference between the flue gases and the atmosphere.
DRAWBAND. A fastener which surrounds and fastens a duct fitting with either the inner lining or the outer jacket of flexible ducts. Tension ties, clinch bands, draw ties and straps are considered drawbands.
DRIP. The container placed at a low point in a system of piping to collect condensate and from which the condensate is removable.
DRY CLEANING SYSTEMS. Dry cleaning plants or systems are classified as follows:
Type I. Those systems using Class I flammable liquid solvents having a flash point below 100°F (38°C).
Type II. Those systems using Class II combustible liquid solvents having a flash point at or above 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C).
Type III. Those systems using Class III combustible liquid solvents having a flash point at or above 140°F (60°C).
Types IV and V. Those systems using Class IV nonflammable liquid solvents.
DUCT. A tube or conduit utilized for conveying air. The air passages of self-contained systems are not to be construed as air ducts.
DUCT FITTING. Couplings that join sections of ducting together or to other air distribution system components. When used to join sections of flexible nonmetal duct, duct fittings are typically metal or other rigid material and have a raised bead or indented groove against which the drawband is secured. Terminal fittings join ducting to supply outlets and return inlets at the end of the distribution system and include register and return boots and register and return boxes. Intermediate fittings join flexible nonmetal duct to other sections of flexible nonmetal duct, to sections of other types of ducting and to mechanical equipment and include collars, take-offs, tap-ins, sleeves and the supply and return ends of air handlers and furnaces. (See "INTEGRAL FLANGE DUCT COLLAR FITTING")
DUCT FURNACE. A warm-air furnace normally installed in an air distribution duct to supply warm air for heating. This definition shall apply only to a warm-air heating appliance that, for air circulation, depends on a blower not furnished as part of the furnace.
DUCT SYSTEM. A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to ducts, includes duct fittings, dampers, plenums, fans and accessory air-handling equipment and appliances.
DWELLING. A building or portion thereof that contains not more than two dwelling units.
DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCE. An appliance that produces heat energy to create a warm environment by the application of electric power to resistance elements, refrigerant compressors or dissimilar material junctions.
ENCLOSED SUPPORT PLATFORM. A framed enclosure located inside or outside the conditioned space, which supports a furnace or central heating/air conditioning air handler and which may contain and protect a return duct section of the air distribution system.
ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION SYSTEM. Systems that employ air-to-air heat exchangers to recover energy from or reject energy to exhaust air for the purpose of pre-heating, pre-cooling, humidifying or dehumidifying outdoor ventilation air prior to supplying such air to a space, either directly or as part of an HVAC system.
ENVIRONMENTAL AIR. Air that is conveyed to or from occupied areas through ducts which are not part of the heating or air-conditioning system, such as ventilation for human usage, domestic kitchen range exhaust, bathroom exhaust and domestic clothes dryer exhaust.
EQUIPMENT. All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances which are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings. This definition shall also include other systems specifically regulated in this code.
EQUIPMENT, EXISTING. Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.
EVAPORATIVE COOLER. A device used for reducing the sensible heat of air for cooling by the process of evaporation of water into an airstream.
EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEM. The equipment and appliances intended or installed for the purpose of environmental cooling by an evaporative cooler from which the conditioned air is distributed through ducts or plenums to the conditioned area.
EVAPORATOR. That part of the system in which liquid refrigerant is vaporized to produce refrigeration.
EXCESS AIR. The amount of air provided in addition to theoretical air to achieve complete combustion of a fuel, thereby preventing the formation of dangerous products of combustion.
EXHAUST SYSTEM. An assembly of connected ducts, plenums, fittings, registers, grilles and hoods through which air is conducted from the space or spaces and exhausted to the outdoor atmosphere.
EXISTING BUILDING. A building or portion thereof that was previously occupied or approved for occupancy by the authority having jurisdiction. (Reference Chapter 13, Section 13-101.4 of the Florida Building Code, Building.)
EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY COOKING APPLIANCE. Extra-heavy-duty cooking appliances include appliances utilizing solid fuel such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and mesquite to provide all or part of the heat source for cooking.
FIREPLACE. An assembly consisting of a hearth and fire chamber of noncombustible material and provided with a chimney, for use with solid fuels.
Factory-built fireplace. A listed and labeled fireplace and chimney system composed of factory-made components, and assembled in the field in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and the conditions of the listing.
Masonry fireplace. A field-constructed fireplace composed of solid masonry units, bricks, stones or concrete.
FIREPLACE STOVE. A free-standing chimney-connected solid-fuel-burning heater, designed to be operated with the fire chamber doors in either the open or closed position.
FIREWALL. Fire resistant wall, having protective openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall.
FLAME SAFEGUARD. A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burner or group of burners when the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners.
FLAME SPREAD INDEX. The numerical value assigned to a material tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.
FLAMMABILITY CLASSIFICATION. Refrigerants shall be assigned to one of the three classes-1, 2 or 3-in accordance with ASHRAE 34. For Classes 2 and 3, the heat of combustion shall be calculated assuming that combustion products are in the gas phase and in their most stable state.
Class 1. Refrigerants that do not show flame propagation when tested in air at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) and 70ºF (21ºC).
Class 2. Refrigerants having a lower flammability limit (LFL) of more than 0.00625 pound per cubic foot (0.10 kg/m3) at 70ºF (21ºC) and 14.7 psia (101 kPa) and a heat of combustion of less than 8,174 Btu/lb (19 000 kJ/kg).
Class 3. Refrigerants that are highly flammable, having a LFL of less than or equal to 0.00625 pound per cubic foot (0.10 kg/m3) at 70ºF (21ºC) and 14.7 psia (101 kPa) or a heat of combustion greater than or equal to 8,174 Btu/lb (19 000 kJ/kg).
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. Any liquid that has a flash point below 100ºF (38ºC), and has a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia (276 kPa) at 100ºF (38ºC). Flammable liquids shall be known as Class I liquids and shall be divided into the following classifications:
Class IA. Liquids having a flash point below 73ºF (23ºC) and a boiling point below 100ºF (38ºC).
Class IB. Liquids having a flash point below 73ºF (23ºC) and a boiling point at or above 100ºF (38ºC).
Class IC. Liquids having a flash point at or above 73ºF (23ºC) and below 100ºF (38ºC).
FLAMMABLE VAPOR OR FUMES. Mixtures of gases in air at concentrations equal to or greater than the LFL and less than or equal to the upper flammability limit (UFL).
FLASH POINT. The minimum temperature corrected to a pressure of 14.7 psia (101 kPa) at which the application of a test flame causes the vapors of a portion of the sample to ignite under the conditions specified by the test procedures and apparatus. The flash point of a liquid shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 56, ASTM D 93 or ASTM D 3278.
FLEXIBLE NON-METAL DUCT. A type of flexible air duct comprised of a wire-reinforced core (usually plastic), an insulation layer and an outer jacket (usually a durable reinforced plastic).
FLOOR AREA, NET. The actual occupied area, not including unoccupied accessory areas or thicknesses of walls.
FLOOR FURNACE. A completely self-contained furnace suspended from the floor of the space being heated, taking air for combustion from outside such space and with means for observing flames and lighting the appliance from such space.
FLUE. A passageway within a chimney or vent through which gaseous combustion products pass.
FLUE CONNECTION (BREECHING). A passage for conducting the products of combustion from a fuel-fired appliance to the vent or chimney (see also "Chimney connector" and "Vent connector").
FLUE GASES. Products of combustion and excess air.
FLUE LINER (LINING). A system or material used to form the inside surface of a flue in a chimney or vent, for the purpose of protecting the surrounding structure from the effects of combustion products and conveying combustion products without leakage to the atmosphere.
FUEL GAS. A natural gas, manufactured gas, liquefied petroleum gas or a mixture of these.
FUEL OIL. Kerosene or any hydrocarbon oil having a flash point not less than 100ºF (38ºC).
FUEL-OIL PIPING SYSTEM. A closed piping system that connects a combustible liquid from a source of supply to a fuel-oil-burning appliance.
FURNACE. A completely self-contained heating unit that is designed to supply heated air to spaces remote from or adjacent to the appliance location.
FURNACE ROOM. A room primarily utilized for the installation of fuel-burning, space-heating and water-heating appliances other than boilers (see also "Boiler room").
FUSIBLE PLUG. A device arranged to relieve pressure by operation of a fusible member at a predetermined temperature.
GASKETS OR GASKETING. A compressible, resilient, elastic packing made of foam rubber or of a synthetic foam polymer. A gasket is distinct from the components being joined and must be capable of closing all air leakage pathways between the air barriers of the joint and of creating an air-tight seal.
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP LOOP SYSTEM. Piping buried in horizontal or vertical excavations or placed in a body of water for the purpose of transporting heat transfer liquid to and from a heat pump. Included in this definition are closed loop systems in which the liquid is recirculated and open loop systems in which the liquid is drawn from a well or other source.
HAZARDOUS LOCATION. Any location considered to be a fire hazard for flammable vapors, dust, combustible fibers or other highly combustible substances. The location is not necessarily categorized in the Florida Building Code, Building as a high-hazard use group classification.
HEAT EXCHANGER. A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.
HEAT PUMP. A refrigeration system that extracts heat from one substance and transfers it to another portion of the same substance or to a second substance at a higher temperature for a beneficial purpose.
HEAT TRANSFER LIQUID. The operating or thermal storage liquid in a mechanical system, including water or other liquid base, and additives at the concentration present under operating conditions used to move heat from one location to another. Refrigerants are not included as heat transfer liquids.
HEAVY-DUTY COOKING APPLIANCE. Heavy-duty cooking appliances include electric under-fired broilers, electric chain (conveyor) broilers, gas under-fired broilers, gas chain (conveyor) broilers, gas open-burner ranges (with or without oven), electric and gas wok ranges, and electric and gas over-fired (upright) broilers and salamanders.
HIGH-PROBABILITY SYSTEMS. A refrigeration system in which the basic design or the location of components is such that a leakage of refrigerant from a failed connection, seal or component will enter an occupancy classified area, other than the machinery room.
HIGH-SIDE PRESSURE. The parts of a refrigerating system subject to condenser pressure.
HOOD. An air-intake device used to capture by entrapment, impingement, adhesion or similar means, grease and similar contaminants before they enter a duct system.
Type I. A kitchen hood for collecting and removing grease vapors and smoke.
Type II. A general kitchen hood for collecting and removing steam, vapor, heat and odors.
HYDROGEN GENERATING APPLIANCE. A self-contained package or factory-matched packages of integrated systems for generating gaseous hydrogen. Hydrogen generating appliances utilize electrolysis, reformation, chemical, or other processes to generate hydrogen.
IGNITION SOURCE. A flame, spark or hot surface capable of igniting flammable vapors or fumes. Such sources include appliance burners, burner ignitors and electrical switching devices.
IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE OR HEALTH (IDLH). The concentration of airborne contaminants that poses a threat of death, immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects, or effects that could prevent escape from such an environment. This contaminant concentration level is established by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) based on both toxicity and flammability. It is generally expressed in parts per million by volume (ppm v/v) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3).
INDIRECT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM. A system in which a secondary coolant cooled or heated by the refrigerating system is circulated to the air or other substance to be cooled or heated. Indirect systems are distinguished by the method of application shown below:
Closed system. A system in which a secondary fluid is either cooled or heated by the refrigerating system and then circulated within a closed circuit in indirect contact with the air or other substance to be cooled or heated.
Double-indirect open-spray system. A system in which the secondary substance for an indirect open-spray system is heated or cooled by an intermediate coolant circulated from a second enclosure.
Open-spray system. A system in which a secondary coolant is cooled or heated by the refrigerating system and then circulated in direct contact with the air or other substance to be cooled or heated.
Vented closed system. A system in which a secondary coolant is cooled or heated by the refrigerating system and then passed through a closed circuit in the air or other substance to be cooled or heated, except that the evaporator or condenser is placed in an open or appropriately vented tank.
INTEGRAL FLANGE DUCT COLLAR FITTING. A type of duct collar fitting having a flange that is secured to and sealed to the cylinder or sleeve of the fitting. A function of this flange is to provide a surface which can be sealed to rigid ductboard.
JOINT, FLANGED. A joint made by bolting together a pair of flanged ends.
JOINT, FLARED. A metal-to-metal compression joint in which a conical spread is made on the end of a tube that is compressed by a flare nut against a mating flare.
JOINT, MECHANICAL. A general form of gas-tight joints obtained by the joining of metal parts through a positive-holding mechanical construction, such as flanged joint, screwed joint or flared joint.
JOINT, PLASTIC ADHESIVE. A joint made in thermoset plastic piping by the use of an adhesive substance which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces without dissolving either one of them.
JOINT, PLASTIC HEAT FUSION. A joint made in thermoplastic piping by heating the parts sufficiently to permit fusion of the materials when the parts are pressed together.
JOINT, PLASTIC SOLVENT CEMENT. A joint made in thermoplastic piping by the use of a solvent or solvent cement which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces.
JOINT, SOLDERED. A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures of alloys which melt at temperatures between 400ºF (204ºC) and 1,000ºF (538ºC).
JOINT, WELDED. A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts in molten state.
LABELED. Devices, equipment, appliances or materials to which have been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of the above-labeled items and by whose label the manufacturer attests to compliance with applicable nationally recognized standards.
LIGHT-DUTY COOKING APPLIANCE. Light-duty cooking appliances include gas and electric ovens (including standard, bake, roasting, revolving, retherm, convection, combination convection/steamer, conveyor, deck or deck-style pizza, and pastry), electric and gas steam-jacketed kettles, electric and gas compartment steamers (both pressure and atmospheric) and electric and gas cheesemelters.
LIMIT CONTROL. A device responsive to changes in pressure, temperature or level for turning on, shutting off or throttling the gas supply to an appliance.
LIMITED CHARGE SYSTEM. A system in which, with the compressor idle, the design pressure will not be exceeded when the refrigerant charge has completely evaporated.
LISTED. Equipment, appliances or materials included in a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment, appliances or materials, and whose listing states either that the equipment, appliances or material meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner. Not all testing laboratories, inspection agencies and other organizations concerned with product evaluation use the same means for identifying listed equipment, appliances or materials. Some do not recognize equipment, appliances or materials as listed unless they are also labeled. The authority having jurisdiction shall utilize the system employed by the listing organization to identify a listed product.
LIVING SPACE. Space within a dwelling unit utilized for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, bathing, washing and sanitation purposes.
LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT (LEL). See "LFL."
LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL). The minimum concentration of refrigerant that is capable of propagating a flame through a homogeneous mixture of refrigerant and air.
LOW-PRESSURE HOT-WATER-HEATING BOILER. A boiler furnishing hot water at pressures not exceeding 160 psi (1103 kPa) and at temperatures not exceeding 250ºF (121ºC).
LOW-PRESSURE STEAM-HEATING BOILER. A boiler furnishing steam at pressures not exceeding 15 psi (103 kPa).
LOW-PROBABILITY SYSTEMS. A refrigeration system in which the basic design or the location of components is such that a leakage of refrigerant from a failed connection, seal or component will not enter an occupancy-classified area, other than the machinery room.
LOW-SIDE PRESSURE. The parts of a refrigerating system subject to evaporator pressure.
MACHINERY ROOM. A room meeting prescribed safety requirements and in which refrigeration systems or components thereof are located (see Sections 1105 and 1106).
MANUFACTURED BUILDING. A closed structure, building assembly or system of subassemblies which may include structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating or other service systems manufactured for installation or erection, with or without other specified components, as a finished building or as part of a finished building, which shall include, but not be limited to, residential, commercial, institutional, storage and industrial structures.
MANUFACTURED HOME. As defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, residential units constructed in accordance with Federal Mobile Construction and Safety Standards, pursuant to 42 USC 55.5401, et. seq. and 24 CFR 3282 and 3283. (Reference Chapter 13, - Section 13-101.2.4 of the Florida Building Code, Building).
MASTIC. A thick, pliable substance that adheres well to specific materials and is used for sealing different building components together. Mastics are often used in conjunction with fibrous or mesh fabric.
MASTIC RIBBONS. Mastic ribbons are malleable, putty-like packings which are used in applications akin to those of gasketing; but, they do not have the elasticity of gasketing. Such mastics contain nearly 100 percent solid, require no curing in air and are used without reinforcing fabric.
MECHANICAL CLOSET. For the purposes of this code, a closet used as an air plenum which contains the blower unit or air handler of a central air conditioning or heating unit.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT PLENUM CHAMBER. In an air distribution system, that part of the casing, or an air chamber furnace, to or from which the air duct system delivers conditioned air.
MECHANICAL DRAFT SYSTEM. A venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases by mechanical means, that consists of an induced-draft portion under nonpositive static pressure or a forced-draft portion under positive static pressure.
Forced-draft venting system. A portion of a venting system using a fan or other mechanical means to cause the removal of flue or vent gases under positive static pressure.
Induced-draft venting system. A portion of a venting system using a fan or other mechanical means to cause the removal of flue or vent gases under nonpositive static vent pressure.
Power venting system. A portion of a venting system using a fan or other mechanical means to cause the removal of flue or vent gases under positive static vent pressure.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT/APPLIANCE ROOM. A room or space in which nonfuel-fired mechanical equipment and appliances are located.
MECHANICAL EXHAUST SYSTEM. A system for removing air from a room or space by mechanical means.
MECHANICAL JOINT. A connection between pipes, fittings, or pipes and fittings, which is neither screwed, caulked, threaded, soldered, solvent cemented, brazed nor welded. Also, a joint in which compression is applied along the centerline of the pieces being joined. Some joints are part of a coupling, fitting or adapter.
MECHANICAL SYSTEM. A system specifically addressed and regulated in this code and composed of components, devices, appliances and equipment.
MEDIUM-DUTY COOKING APPLIANCE. Medium-duty cooking appliances include electric discrete element ranges (with or without oven), electric and gas hot-top ranges, electric and gas griddles, electric and gas double-sided griddles, electric and gas fryers (including open deep fat fryers, donut fryers, kettle fryers, and pressure fryers), electric and gas pasta cookers, electric and gas conveyor pizza ovens, electric and gas tilting skillets (braising pans) and electric and gas rotisseries.
MODULAR BOILER. A steam or hot-water-heating assembly consisting of a group of individual boilers called modules intended to be installed as a unit with no intervening stop valves. Modules are under one jacket or are individually jacketed. The individual modules shall be limited to a maximum input rating of 400,000 Btu/h (117 228 W) gas, 3 gallons per hour (gph) (11.4 L/h) oil, or 115 kW (electric).
NATURAL DRAFT SYSTEM. A venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases under nonpositive static vent pressure entirely by natural draft.
NATURAL VENTILATION. The movement of air into and out of a space through intentionally provided openings, such as windows and doors, or through nonpowered ventilators.
NONABRASIVE/ABRASIVE MATERIALS. Nonabrasive particulate in high concentrations, moderately abrasive particulate in low and moderate concentrations, and highly abrasive particulate in low concentrations, such as alfalfa, asphalt, plaster, gypsum and salt.
NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUILDING MATERIALS. A material which meets either of the following requirements:
1. Materials which pass the test procedure set forth in ASTM E 136.
2. Materials having a structural base of noncombustible materials as defined in 1, with a surfacing not more than 1/8 inch (3.17 mm) thick which has a flame spread rating not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.
The term noncombustible does not apply to the flame spread characteristics of interior finish or trim materials. A material shall not be classed as noncombustible which is subject to increase in combustibility or flame spread rating beyond the limits herein established through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric conditions.
OCCUPANCY. The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied.
OFFSET (VENT). A combination of approved bends that make two changes in direction bringing one section of the vent out of line but into a line parallel with the other section.
OUTDOOR AIR. Air taken from the outdoors, and therefore not previously circulated through the system.
OUTDOOR OPENING. A door, window, louver or skylight openable to the outdoor atmosphere.
OUTLET. A threaded connection or bolted flange in a piping system to which a gas-burning appliance is attached.
PANEL HEATING. A method of radiant space heating in which heat is supplied by large heated areas of room surfaces. The heating element usually consists of warm water piping, warm air ducts, or electrical resistance elements embedded in or located behind ceiling, wall or floor surfaces.
PELLET FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE. A closed-combustion, vented appliance equipped with a fuel-feed mechanism for burning processed pellets of solid fuel of a specified size and composition.
PIPING. Where used in this code, "piping" refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
Pipe. A rigid conduit of iron, steel, copper, brass or plastic.
Tubing. Semirigid conduit of copper, aluminum, plastic or steel.
PLASTIC, THERMOPLASTIC. A plastic that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature.
PLASTIC, THERMOSETTING. A plastic that is capable of being changed into a substantially infusible or insoluble product when cured under application of heat or chemical means.
PLENUM. An enclosed portion of the building structure, other than an occupiable space being conditioned, that is designed to allow air movement, and thereby serve as part of an air distribution system.
PORTABLE FUEL CELL APPLIANCE. A fuel cell generator of electricity, which is not fixed in place. A portable fuel cell appliance utilizes a cord and plug connection to a grid-isolated load and has an integral fuel supply.
POWER BOILER. See "Boiler."
PREMISES. A lot, plot or parcel of land, including any structure thereon.
PRESSURE, FIELD TEST. A test performed in the field to prove system tightness.
PRESSURE-LIMITING DEVICE. A pressure-responsive mechanism designed to stop automatically the operation of the pressure-imposing element at a predetermined pressure.
PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE. A pressure-actuated valve or rupture member designed to relieve excessive pressure automatically.
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE. A pressure-actuated valve held closed by a spring or other means and designed to relieve pressure automatically in excess of the device's setting.
PRESSURE VESSELS. Closed containers, tanks or vessels that are designed to contain liquids, gases or both, under pressure.
PRESSURE VESSELS-REFRIGERANT. Any refrigerant-containing receptacle in a refrigerating system. This does not include evaporators where each separate section does not exceed 0.5 cubic foot (0.014 m3) of refrigerant-containing volume, regardless of the maximum inside dimensions, evaporator coils, controls, headers, pumps and piping.
PROTECTIVE ASSEMBLY (REDUCED CLEARANCE). Any noncombustible assembly that is labeled or constructed in accordance with Table 308.6 and is placed between combustible materials or assemblies and mechanical appliances, devices or equipment, for the purpose of reducing required airspace clearances. Protective assemblies attached directly to a combustible assembly shall not be considered as part of that combustible assembly.
PURGE. To clear of air, water or other foreign substances.
QUICK-OPENING VALVE. A valve that opens completely by fast action, either manually or automatically controlled. A valve requiring one-quarter round turn or less is considered to be quick opening.
RADIANT HEATER. A heater designed to transfer heat primarily by direct radiation.
READY ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be directly reached, without requiring the removal or movement of any panel, door or similar obstruction [see "Access (to)"].
RECEIVER, LIQUID. A vessel permanently connected to a refrigeration system by inlet and outlet pipes for storage of liquid refrigerant.
RECIRCULATED AIR. Air removed from a conditioned space and intended for reuse as supply air.
RECLAIMED REFRIGERANTS. Refrigerants reprocessed to the same specifications as for new refrigerants by means including distillation. Such refrigerants have been chemically analyzed to verify that the specifications have been met. Reclaiming usually implies the use of processes or procedures that are available only at a reprocessing or manufacturing facility.
RECOVERED REFRIGERANTS. Refrigerants removed from a system in any condition without necessarily testing or processing them.
RECYCLED REFRIGERANTS. Refrigerants from which contaminants have been reduced by oil separation, removal of noncondensable gases, and single or multiple passes through devices that reduce moisture, acidity and particulate matter, such as replaceable core filter driers. These procedures usually are performed at the field job site or in a local service shop.
REFRIGERANT. A substance utilized to produce refrigeration by its expansion or vaporization.
REFRIGERANT SAFETY CLASSIFICATIONS. Groupings that indicate the toxicity and flammability classes in accordance with Section 1103.1. The classification group is made up of a letter (A or B) that indicates the toxicity class, followed by a number (1, 2 or 3) that indicates the flammability class. Refrigerant blends are similarly classified, based on the compositions at their worst cases of fractionation, as separately determined for toxicity and flammability. In some cases, the worst case of fractionation is the original formulation.
Flammability. Class 1 indicates refrigerants that do not show flame propagation in air when tested by prescribed methods at specified conditions. Classes 2 and 3 signify refrigerants with "lower flammability" and "higher flammability," respectively; the distinction depends on both the LFL and heat of combustion.
Toxicity. Classes A and B signify refrigerants with "lower toxicity" and "higher toxicity," respectively, based on prescribed measures of chronic (long-term, repeated exposures) toxicity.
REFRIGERATED ROOM OR SPACE. A room or space in which an evaporator or brine coil is located for the purpose of reducing or controlling the temperature within the room or space to below 68ºF (20ºC).
REFRIGERATING SYSTEM. A combination of interconnected refrigerant-containing parts constituting one closed refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated for the purpose of extracting heat.
REFRIGERATION CAPACITY RATING. Expressed as 1 horsepower (0.75 kW), 1 ton or 12,000 Btu/h (3.5 kW), shall all mean the same quantity.
REFRIGERATION MACHINERY ROOM. See "Machinery room."
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, ABSORPTION. A heat- operated, closed-refrigeration cycle in which a secondary fluid (the absorbent) absorbs a primary fluid (the refrigerant) that has been vaporized in the evaporator.
Direct system. A system in which the evaporator is in direct contact with the material or space refrigerated, or is located in air-circulating passages communicating with such spaces.
Indirect system. A system in which a brine coil cooled by the refrigerant is circulated to the material or space refrigerated, or is utilized to cool the air so circulated. Indirect systems are distinguished by the type or method of application.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION. Refrigeration systems are classified according to the degree of probability that leaked refrigerant from a failed connection, seal or component will enter an occupied area. The distinction is based on the basic design or location of the components.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, MECHANICAL. A combination of interconnected refrigeration-containing parts constituting one closed refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated for the purpose of extracting heat and in which a compressor is used for compressing the refrigerant vapor.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM, SELF-CONTAINED. A complete factory-assembled and tested system that is shipped in one or more sections and has no refrigerant-containing parts that are joined in the field by other than companion or block valves.
REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL. An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
RENOVATION. See Florida Existing Building Code.
RETURN AIR. Air removed from an approved conditioned space or location and recirculated or exhausted.
RETURN AIR SYSTEM. An assembly of connected ducts, plenums, fittings, registers and grilles through which air from the space or spaces to be heated or cooled is conducted back to the supply unit (see also "Supply air system").
ROOM HEATER VENTED. A free-standing heating unit burning solid or liquid fuel for direct heating of the space in and adjacent to that in which the unit is located.
SAFETY VALVE. A valve that relieves pressure in a steam boiler by opening fully at the rated discharge pressure. The valve is of the spring-pop type.
SEAL or SEALING - AIR DUCT. The use of closure products, either welds, mastic, mastic plus embedded fabric, adhesives, caulking, gaskets, pressure sensitive tapes, heat-activated tapes or combinations thereof as allowed by specific sections of this code, to close cracks, joints, seams and other openings in the air barriers of air duct, air handling units and plenum chambers for the purpose of preventing air leakage. No joining of opening from which a closure product is absent shall be considered sealed unless considered otherwise in specific cases identified by this code. Closeness of fit between mated parts alone shall not be considered a seal.
SELF-CONTAINED EQUIPMENT. Complete, factory-assembled and tested, heating, air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment installed as a single unit, and having all working parts, complete with motive power, in an enclosed unit of said machinery.
SHAFT. An enclosed space extending through one or more stories of a building, connecting vertical openings in successive floors, or floors and the roof.
SHAFT ENCLOSURE. The walls or construction forming the boundaries of a shaft.
SITE-INSTALLED COMPONENTS AND FEATURES. Equipment, materials, measures, practices and features which are affixed to a new manufactured home at its first set-up that are not initially installed by the manufacturer. Reference Chapter 13, Section 13-101.2.4 of the Florida Building Code, Building.
SLEEPING UNIT. A room or space in which people sleep, which can also include permanent provisions for living, eating, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units.
SMOKE DAMPER. A listed device that is designed to resist the passage of air and smoke. The device is arranged to operate automatically, controlled by a smoke detection system, and when required, is capable of being positioned manually from a remote command station.
SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX. A numerical value assigned to a material tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.
SOLID FUEL (COOKING APPLICATIONS). Applicable to commercial food service operations only, solid fuel is any bulk material such as hardwood, mesquite, charcoal or briquettes that is combusted to produce heat for cooking operations.
SOURCE CAPTURE SYSTEM. A mechanical exhaust system designed and constructed to capture air contaminants at their source and to exhaust such contaminants to the outdoor atmosphere.
STATIONARY FUEL CELL POWER PLANT. A self-contained package or factory-matched packages which constitute an automatically operated assembly of integrated systems for generating useful electrical energy and recoverable thermal energy that is permanently connected and fixed in place.
STEAM-HEATING BOILER. A boiler operated at pressures not exceeding 15 psi (103 kPa) for steam.
STOP VALVE. A shutoff valve for controlling the flow of liquid or gases.
STORY. That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above.
STRENGTH, ULTIMATE. The highest stress level that the component will tolerate without rupture.
SUPPLY AIR. That air delivered to each or any space supplied by the air distribution system or the total air delivered to all spaces supplied by the air distribution system, which is provided for ventilating, heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification and other similar purposes.
SUPPLY AIR SYSTEM. An assembly of connected ducts, plenums, fittings, registers and grilles through which air, heated or cooled, is conducted from the supply unit to the space or spaces to be heated or cooled (see also "Return air system").
THEORETICAL AIR. The exact amount of air required to supply oxygen for complete combustion of a given quantity of a specific fuel.
THERMAL RESISTANCE (R). A measure of the ability to retard the flow of heat. The R-value is the reciprocal of thermal conductance.
TLV-TWA(THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE-TIME- WEIGHTED AVERAGE). The time-weighted average concentration of a refrigerant or other chemical in air for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek, to which nearly all workers are repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effects, as adopted by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
TOILET ROOM. A room containing a water closet and, frequently, a lavatory, but not a bathtub, shower, spa or similar bathing fixture.
TOXICITY CLASSIFICATION. Refrigerants shall be classified for toxicity to one of two classes in accordance with ASHRAE 34:
Class A. Refrigerants for which toxicity has not been identified at concentrations less than or equal to 400 parts per million (ppm), based on data used to determine Threshold Limit Value-Time-Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) or consistent indices.
Class B. Refrigerants for which there is evidence of toxicity at concentrations below 400 ppm, based on data used to determine TLV-TWA or consistent indices.
TRANSITION FITTINGS, PLASTIC TO STEEL. An adapter for joining plastic pipe to steel pipe. The purpose of this fitting is to provide a permanent, pressure-tight connection between two materials which cannot be joined directly one to another.
UNCONFINED SPACE. A space having a volume not less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/h (4.8 m3/kW) of the aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in that space. Rooms communicating directly with the space in which the appliances are installed, through openings not furnished with doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.
UNIT HEATER. A self-contained appliance of the fan type, designed for the delivery of warm air directly into the space in which the appliance is located.
UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION (Oil Burning Equipment). Construction in compliance with Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code, Building or the following requirements for oil heat:
1. Walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere having a continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of 1 perm [57 nb/(s . m2 . Pa)] or less with openings gasketed or sealed. As well as,
2. Storm windows or weatherstripping on openable windows and doors; and
3. Caulking or sealants applied to areas, such as joints around window and door frames, between sole plates and floors, between wall-ceiling joints, between wall panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical and gas lines, and at other openings.
VENT. A pipe or other conduit composed of factory-made components, containing a passageway for conveying combustion products and air to the atmosphere, listed and labeled for use with a specific type or class of appliance.
Pellet vent. A vent listed and labeled for use with listed pellet-fuel-burning appliances.
Type L vent. A vent listed and labeled for use with the following:
1. Oil-burning appliances that are listed for use with Type L vents.
2. Gas-fired appliances that are listed for use with Type B vents.
VENT CONNECTOR. The pipe that connects an approved fuel-fired appliance to a vent.
VENT DAMPER DEVICE, AUTOMATIC. A device intended for installation in the venting system, in the outlet of an individual automatically operated fuel-burning appliance that is designed to open the venting system automatically when the appliance is in operation and to close off the venting system automatically when the appliance is in a standby or shutdown condition.
VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space.
VENTILATION AIR. That portion of supply air that comes from the outside (outdoors), plus any recirculated air that has been treated to maintain the desired quality of air within a designated space.
VENTING SYSTEM. A continuous open passageway from the flue collar of an appliance to the outside atmosphere for the purpose of removing flue or vent gases. A venting system is usually composed of a vent or a chimney and vent connector, if used, assembled to form the open passageway.
WATER HEATER. An indirect-fire fuel-burning or electrically heated appliance for heating water which does not exceed any of the following:
1. A heat input capacity of 200,000 Btuh (58.6 kW).
2. A water temperature of 200ºF (93ºC).
3. A nominal water capacity of 120 gal (454 L).
