I am transmitting to you herewith the following decision of the Standards Council.

Transcription

1 August 8, 2006 Joseph Sternola Permagas, Inc N. Machias Road Lake Stevens, WA Re: IAPMO Standards Council Decision TIA UPC Decision Date: August 8, 2006** Uniform Plumbing Code Dear Mr. Sternola: I am transmitting to you herewith the following decision of the Standards Council. At its teleconference meeting on August 8, 2006, the Standards Council considered your request for the issuance of proposed TIA UPC on the 2006 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code. The proposed TIA requests the following changes: Delete the exception to section which is a duplication of item (C), (16) of section General. The regulations of this chapter shall govern the installation of all fuel gas piping in or in connection with any building or structure or within the property lines of any premises up to 5 psi, other than service pipe. Fuel oil piping systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31. Exception: Gas piping, meters, gas-pressure regulators, and other appurtenances used by the serving gas supplier in distribution of gas, other than undiluted LP-Gas [NFPA 54: (16)] Amend Section as follows: The following regulations, as set forth in this section and in Section , Required Gas Piping Size, shall be the standard for the installation of gas piping. All natural gas regulations and tables are based on the use of gas having a specific gravity of sixty hundredths (0.60), supplied at six (6) to eight (8) inches ( mm) water column pressure at the outlet of the meter or regulator. Where the natural gas supplier cannot maintain a minimum inlet pressure of six (6) inches (152 mm) water column pressure, Table 12-7 allowing a maximum pressure drop of 0.3-inch (7.6 mm) water column shall be used. For undiluted liquefied petroleum gas, gas piping may be sized for 2,500 Btu per cubic foot (25.9 Watt-hours/L) at eleven (11) inches (279 mm) water column pressure at the outlet of the meter or regulator and specific gravity of one and fifty-two hundredths (1.5250). Ph: Fax: International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 5001 East Philadelphia Street Ontario, California USA

2 J. Sternola IAPMO Standards Council Decision TIA UPC Page 2 of 5 August 8, 2006 Delete existing and replace with Sections through amended as follows: Where the maximum demand does not exceed two hundred fifty (250) cubic feet per hour (2 L/sec.) and the maximum length of piping between the meter and the most distant outlet is not over two hundred fifty (250) feet (76,200 mm), the size of each section and each outlet of any system of gas piping shall be determined by means of Table 12-7 for steel pipe, or Table for copper tubing systems, or Table for CSST systems. Other Systems within the range of Table 12-7 or or Table may be sized from that table or by means of the methods set forth in Section Pipe Sizing Methods Where the pipe size is to be determined using any of the methods in Sections through , the diameter of each pipe segment shall be obtained from the pipe-sizing tables in Section or from the sizing equations in Section [NFPA 54: 6.1] Longest Length Method. The pipe size of each section of gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet and the load of the section (see calculation example in Figure 12-2). [NFPA 54: 6.1.1] Branch Length Method. Pipe shall be sized as follows: [NFPA 54: 6.1.2] (A) Pipe size of each section of the longest pipe run from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet shall be determined using the longest run of piping and the load of the section. (B) The pipe size of each section of branch piping not previously sized shall be determined using the length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet in each branch and the load of the section Hybrid Pressure. The pipe size for each section of higher-pressure gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote line pressure regulator. The pipe size from the line pressure regulator to each outlet shall be determined using the length of piping from the regulator to the most remote outlet served by the regulator. [NFPA 54: 6.1.3] Tables for Sizing Gas-Piping Systems. Tables 12-7 through shall be used to size gas piping in conjunction with one of the methods described in Sections through [NFPA 54: 6.2,6.3] Sizing Equations. The inside diameter of smooth-wall pipe or tubing shall be determined by the sizing equations 12-1 or 12-2, using the equivalent pipe length determined by Sections through [NFPA 54: 6.4] Equation 12-1 Low-Pressure Gas Formula (Less than 1.5 psi [10.3 kpa]): [NFPA 54: 6.4.1] (Remains unchanged.) Equation 12-2 High-Pressure Gas Formula (1.5 psi [10.3 kpa] and above): [NFPA 54: 6.4.2] (Remains unchanged.)

3 J. Sternola IAPMO Standards Council Decision TIA UPC Page 3 of 5 August 8, 2006 Table 12-4 Cr and Y for Natural Gas and Undiluted Propane at Standard Conditions [NFPA 54: Table 6.4.2] (To be renumbered accordingly.) Amend Figure 12-2 Example as follows: Figure 12-2 Example Illustrating Use of Tables 12-1 and Solution: (1) Maximum gas demand of outlet A 32 cubic feet per hour (0.21 L/sec.) (from Table 12-1). Maximum gas demand of outlet B 3 cubic feet per hour (0.02 L/sec.) (from Table 12-1). Maximum gas demand of outlet C 59 cubic feet per hour (0.46 L/sec.) (from Table 12-1). Maximum gas demand of outlet D 136 cubic feet per hour (1.1 L/sec.) (150,000 Btu/hour [43,950 W]) divided by 1,100 Btu per cubic foot (11.4 Watt-hour/L) (2) The length of pipe from the gas meter to the most remote outlet (outlet A) is 60 feet (18,288 mm). (3) Using the length in feet column row marked 60 feet (18,288 mm) in Table 12-78: Outlet A, supplying 32 cubic feet per hour (0.21 L/sec.), requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. Section 1, supplying outlets A and B, or 35 cubic feet per hour (0.24 L/sec.) requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. Section 2, supplying outlets A, B, and C, or 94 cubic feet per hour (0.7 L/sec.) requires three-quarter (3/4) inch (20 mm) pipe. Section 3, supplying outlets A, B, C, and D, or 230 cubic feet per hour (1.8 L/sec.), requires one and one quarter (1-1/4) inch (32 25 mm) pipe. (4) Using the column marked 60 feet (18288 mm) in Table (no column for actual length of 55 feet [16,764 mm]: Outlet B supplying 3 cubic feet per hour (0.02 L/sec.), requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. Outlet C, supplying 59 cubic feet per hour (0.46 L/sec.), requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. (5) Using the column marked 50 feet (15,240 mm) in Table : Outlet D, supplying 136 cubic feet per hour (1.1 L/sec.), requires (1 3/4) inch (25 20 mm) pipe. Amend Section through as follows: To determine the size of each section of pipe in any system within the range of the Table 12-7, proceed as follows: (1A) Measure the length of the pipe from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet on the system.

4 J. Sternola IAPMO Standards Council Decision TIA UPC Page 4 of 5 August 8, 2006 (2B) (3C) (4D) (5E) (6F) In Table 12-7 sselect the length in feet column and row showing that distance, or the next longer distance if the table does not give the exact length. Starting at the most remote outlet, find in the row just selected the gas demand for that outlet. If the exact figure of demand is not shown, choose the next larger figure in the row. At the top of this column will be found the correct size of pipe. Using this same row, proceed in a similar manner for each section of pipe serving this outlet. For each section of pipe, determine the total gas demand supplied by that section. Where gas piping sections serve both heating and cooling equipment and the installation prevents both units from operating simultaneously, only the larger of the two demand loads needs be used in sizing these sections. Size each section of branch piping not previously sized by measuring the distance from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet in that branch and follow the procedures of steps 2 B, 3 C, 4 D, and 5 E above. Note: Size branch piping in the order of their distance from the meter location, beginning with the most distant outlet not previously sized For conditions other than those covered by Section , such as longer runs or greater gas demands, the size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and each such system shall be so designed that the total pressure drop between the meter or other point of supply and any outlet when full demand is being supplied to all outlets, will at no time exceed five-tenths (0.5) inches (12.7 mm) water column pressure Where the gas pressure may be higher than fourteen (14) inches (356 mm) or lower than six (6) inches (152 mm) of water column, or when diversity demand factors are used, the design, pipe, sizing, materials, location, and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Piping systems designed for pressures higher than the serving gas supplier's standard delivery pressure shall have prior verification from the gas supplier of the availability of the design pressure. Systems using undiluted liquefied petroleum gas may be sized using Table for steel pipe and Table for CSST for eleven (11) inches (279 mm) of water column and in accordance with the provisions of Sections and For copper tubing systems using undiluted liquefied petroleum gas, the capacity of the tubing shall be determined by multiplying the values of Table by the appropriate factor from Table The Council notes that the identical changes are proposed to the 2006 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code in proposed TIA-UMC and the Council addresses both requests simultaneously. Proposed TIA UPC was balloted through the Plumbing Technical Committee in accordance with the Regulations Governing Committee Projects to determine if there existed the necessary three-fourths majority support on technical merit and emergency nature to establish the recommendation for issuance. In each case, the letter ballot failed to achieve the required threefourths majority to establish the recommendation for issuance although a majority of committee

5 J. Sternola IAPMO Standards Council Decision TIA UPC Page 5 of 5 August 8, 2006 members voted to recommend the issuance of the TIA on both accounts. The identical issue was presented to the Mechanical Technical Committee who recommended by three-fourths majority on both accounts to issue TIA-UMC In determining whether or not to issue a TIA, the Council looks to the TC letter ballot for a recommendation of support, which was not achieved by the Plumbing TC in this instance. Notwithstanding the absence of a clear recommendation by the Plumbing TC, the Council agrees by unanimous vote that substantial reasons exist for the issuance of the TIA requested by proponent. The Council is persuaded by the compelling argument made by the proponent within the body of proponent s submission and notes that the issuance of this TIA will serve to further harmonize the 2006 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code with the National Fuel Gas Code. The Council concurs with the substantiation set forth by the proponent and after a full review and consideration of all of the information available to it, the Council voted to issue proposed TIA UPC (attached). Parenthetically, the Council also notes the issuance of TIA UMC placing the identical language into the 2006 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code. Sincerely, Gabriella Davis Secretary, IAPMO Standards Council Encl. CC: Neil Bogatz, General Counsel Jay Peters, Recording Secretary, ISC IAPMO Standards Council Members of the Plumbing TC Lynne Simnick, Plumbing TC Liaison Carl Marbery, Mechanical TC Liaison NOTE: Participants in IAPMO s codes and standards making process are advised that limited review of this decision may be sought from the NFPA Standards Council. For the rules describing the available review and the method for petitioning the NFPA Standards Council for review, please consult Section 1-7 of the IAPMO Regulations Governing Committee Projects and the IAPMO Regulations Governing Petitions to the NFPA Standards Council from Decisions of the IAPMO Standards Council. Notice of the intent to file such a petition must be submitted to the Secretary of the NFPA Standards Council within 15 calendar days of the Date of Decision noted in the subject line of this letter. As this document has been designated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an American National Standard (ANS), any persons who have directly and materially affected interests by this decision have the right to appeal to ANSI in accordance with ANSI procedures.

6 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE TM 2006 TIA Log No. UPC Reference : Sections , , , , , , , and Figure 12-2 (example) Comment Closing Date: July 17, 2006 Submitter: Joe Sternola, Permagas, Inc. Proposed language for TIA: 1. Delete the exception to section which is a duplication of item (C), (16) of section General. The regulations of this chapter shall govern the installation of all fuel gas piping in or in connection with any building or structure or within the property lines of any premises up to 5 psi, other than service pipe. Fuel oil piping systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31. Exception: Gas piping, meters, gas-pressure regulators, and other appurtenances used by the serving gas supplier in distribution of gas, other than undiluted LP-Gas [NFPA 54: (16)] 2. Amend Section as follows: The following regulations, as set forth in this section and in Section , Required Gas Piping Size, shall be the standard for the installation of gas piping. All natural gas regulations and tables are based on the use of gas having a specific gravity of sixty hundredths (0.60), supplied at six (6) to eight (8) inches ( mm) water column pressure at the outlet of the meter or regulator. Where the natural gas supplier cannot maintain a minimum inlet pressure of six (6) inches (152 mm) water column pressure, Table 12-7 allowing a maximum pressure drop of 0.3-inch (7.6 mm) water column shall be used. For undiluted liquefied petroleum gas, gas piping may be sized for 2,500 Btu per cubic foot (25.9 Watt-hours/L) at eleven (11) inches (279 mm) water column pressure at the outlet of the meter or regulator and specific gravity of one and fifty-two hundredths (1.5250). 3. Delete existing and replace with Sections through amended as follows: Where the maximum demand does not exceed two hundred fifty (250) cubic feet per hour (2 L/sec.) and the maximum length of piping between the meter and the most distant outlet is not over two hundred fifty (250) feet (76,200 mm), the size of each section and each outlet of any system of gas piping shall be determined by means of Table 12-7 for steel pipe, or Table for copper tubing systems, or Table for CSST systems. Other Systems within the

7 TM UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE 2006 TIA Log No. UPC Page 2 range of Table 12-7 or or Table may be sized from that table or by means of the methods set forth in Section Pipe Sizing Methods Where the pipe size is to be determined using any of the methods in Sections through , the diameter of each pipe segment shall be obtained from the pipe-sizing tables in Section or from the sizing equations in Section [NFPA 54: 6.1] Longest Length Method. The pipe size of each section of gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet and the load of the section (see calculation example in Figure 12-2). [NFPA 54: 6.1.1] Branch Length Method. Pipe shall be sized as follows: [NFPA 54: 6.1.2] (A) Pipe size of each section of the longest pipe run from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet shall be determined using the longest run of piping and the load of (B) the section. The pipe size of each section of branch piping not previously sized shall be determined using the length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote outlet in each branch and the load of the section Hybrid Pressure. The pipe size for each section of higher-pressure gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote line pressure regulator. The pipe size from the line pressure regulator to each outlet shall be determined using the length of piping from the regulator to the most remote outlet served by the regulator. [NFPA 54: 6.1.3] Tables for Sizing Gas-Piping Systems. Tables 12-7 through shall be used to size gas piping in conjunction with one of the methods described in Sections through [NFPA 54: 6.2,6.3] Sizing Equations. The inside diameter of smooth-wall pipe or tubing shall be determined by the sizing equations 12-1 or 12-2, using the equivalent pipe length determined by Sections through [NFPA 54: 6.4] Equation 12-1 Low-Pressure Gas Formula (Less than 1.5 psi [10.3 kpa]): [NFPA 54: 6.4.1] (Remains unchanged.) Equation 12-2 High-Pressure Gas Formula (1.5 psi [10.3 kpa] and above): [NFPA 54: 6.4.2] (Remains unchanged.)

8 TM UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE 2006 TIA Log No. UPC Page 3 Table 12-4 Cr and Y for Natural Gas and Undiluted Propane at Standard Conditions [NFPA 54: Table 6.4.2] (To be renumbered accordingly.) 4. Amend Figure 12-2 Example as follows: Figure 12-2 Example Illustrating Use of Tables 12-1 and Solution: (1) Maximum gas demand of outlet A 32 cubic feet per hour (0.21 L/sec.) (from Table 12-1). Maximum gas demand of outlet B 3 cubic feet per hour (0.02 L/sec.) (from Table 12-1). Maximum gas demand of outlet C 59 cubic feet per hour (0.46 L/sec.) (from Table 12-1). Maximum gas demand of outlet D 136 cubic feet per hour (1.1 L/sec.) (150,000 Btu/hour [43,950 W]) divided by 1,100 Btu per cubic foot (11.4 Watt-hour/L) (2) The length of pipe from the gas meter to the most remote outlet (outlet A) is 60 feet (18,288 mm). (3) Using the length in feet column row marked 60 feet (18,288 mm) in Table 12-78: Outlet A, supplying 32 cubic feet per hour (0.21 L/sec.), requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. Section 1, supplying outlets A and B, or 35 cubic feet per hour (0.24 L/sec.) requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. Section 2, supplying outlets A, B, and C, or 94 cubic feet per hour (0.7 L/sec.) requires three-quarter (3/4) inch (20 mm) pipe. Section 3, supplying outlets A, B, C, and D, or 230 cubic feet per hour (1.8 L/sec.), requires one and one quarter (1-1/4) inch (32 25 mm) pipe. (4) Using the column marked 60 feet (18288 mm) in Table (no column for actual length of 55 feet [16,764 mm]: Outlet B supplying 3 cubic feet per hour (0.02 L/sec.), requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. Outlet C, supplying 59 cubic feet per hour (0.46 L/sec.), requires one-half (1/2) inch (15 mm) pipe. (5) Using the column marked 50 feet (15,240 mm) in Table : Outlet D, supplying 136 cubic feet per hour (1.1 L/sec.), requires (1 3/4) inch (25 20 mm) pipe. 5. Amend Section through as follows: To determine the size of each section of pipe in any system within the range of the Table 12-7, proceed as follows: (1A) Measure the length of the pipe from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet on the system.

9 TM UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE 2006 TIA Log No. UPC Page 4 (2B) (3C) (4D) (5E) (6F) In Table 12-7 sselect the length in feet column and row showing that distance, or the next longer distance if the table does not give the exact length. Starting at the most remote outlet, find in the row just selected the gas demand for that outlet. If the exact figure of demand is not shown, choose the next larger figure in the row. At the top of this column will be found the correct size of pipe. Using this same row, proceed in a similar manner for each section of pipe serving this outlet. For each section of pipe, determine the total gas demand supplied by that section. Where gas piping sections serve both heating and cooling equipment and the installation prevents both units from operating simultaneously, only the larger of the two demand loads needs be used in sizing these sections. Size each section of branch piping not previously sized by measuring the distance from the gas meter location to the most remote outlet in that branch and follow the procedures of steps 2 B, 3 C, 4 D, and 5 E above. Note: Size branch piping in the order of their distance from the meter location, beginning with the most distant outlet not previously sized For conditions other than those covered by Section , such as longer runs or greater gas demands, the size of each gas piping system shall be determined by standard engineering methods acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, and each such system shall be so designed that the total pressure drop between the meter or other point of supply and any outlet when full demand is being supplied to all outlets, will at no time exceed five-tenths (0.5) inches (12.7 mm) water column pressure Where the gas pressure may be higher than fourteen (14) inches (356 mm) or lower than six (6) inches (152 mm) of water column, or when diversity demand factors are used, the design, pipe, sizing, materials, location, and use of such systems first shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Piping systems designed for pressures higher than the serving gas supplier's standard delivery pressure shall have prior verification from the gas supplier of the availability of the design pressure. Systems using undiluted liquefied petroleum gas may be sized using Table for steel pipe and Table for CSST for eleven (11) inches (279 mm) of water column and in accordance with the provisions of Sections and For copper tubing systems using undiluted liquefied petroleum gas, the capacity of the tubing shall be determined by multiplying the values of Table by the appropriate factor from Table

10 TM UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE 2006 TIA Log No. UPC Page 5 Substantiation for TIA: Technical Merit: 1. The exception to section is a duplication and is not required. 2. Table 12-7 allowing a maximum pressure drop of 0.3-inch water column was added to the code without any explanation or reason for the addition. If this table was routinely used in would result in oversizing of the system. The 2500 BTU per cubic foot heating value for LPG was removed from NFPA 54 and is not required for sizing an LPG system. All the new LPG tables in the code reflect a specific gravity of one and fifty hundredths (1.50). 3. Section is no longer applicable to the new tables in the code. The designer of the system must select the table which best describes the piping material and the source of gas supplied. Section through Section including equations 12-1 and 12-2 are relocated to Section so that pipe sizing is covered in one location in the code instead of two. 4. Figure 12-2 Example Illustrating the use of Table 12-1 and 12-7 is amended to illustrate the use of Table 12-8 which provide for a pressure drop of 0.5 inches water column. This is the most commonly used table instead of Table 12-7 which as stated in the amended Section is for systems that cannot supply a minimum pressure of six (6) inches water column pressure. 5. Section is amended to remove reference to any specific table as the method described would apply to all of the tables. Section is amended to remove the last two sentences as separate tables for LPG are now provided. Emergency Nature: In processing the 2006 edition, tables were added, taken from NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code. As these tables cover a greater number of conditions, such as pressure and pressure drop, which were not previously included in the Uniform Plumbing Code. The changes to the UPC are needed to explain the use of these new tables.