Intro to HVAC Mechanical Code Regulations : Refrigeration

 Overview

• Focus: Protection of life and property from fire and health hazards linked to refrigerants and refrigeration machinery.
• Importance: Refrigerants can be toxic, flammable, or both, making adherence to these guidelines crucial.

IMC Section 1101: General

• Scope: Design, installation, construction, and repair of refrigeration systems.
• Topics:
  • Factory-built equipment and appliances
  • Physical damage protection
  • Water and fuel gas connections
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Changes in refrigerant type
  • Refrigerant discharge
  • Locking access port caps

IMC Section 1102: System Requirements

• Scope: Refrigerant system classifications, allowable operation methods, and system limitations.
• Topics:
  • Allowable refrigerants
  • Refrigerant purity
  • Maximum refrigerant quantity
  • Enclosure requirements
  • Installation and access port protection

IMC Section 1103: Refrigeration System Classification

• Scope: Integral for user safety.
• Topics:
  • Refrigerant classification
  • Occupancy classification
  • System classification

IMC Section 1104: System Application Requirements

• Scope: Codes for refrigerant quantities, decomposition, and volume.
• Topics:
  • Refrigerant quantities
  • Refrigerant decomposition
  • Refrigerant volume

Piping and Connections

• IMC Section 1107: Piping Material
  • Scope: Piping materials and installation.
  • Topics:
    • Piping material installation
    • Used materials
    • Material ratings
    • Piping material standards
    • Pipe fittings and valves
• IMC Section 1108: Joints and Connections
  • Scope: Requirements for pipe joints and connections.
  • Topics:
    • Approved joints and connections
    • Preparation of pipe ends
    • Joint preparation and installation
    • Requirements for different pipe materials (aluminum, brass, copper, steel)
• IMC Section 1109: Refrigerant Pipe Installation
  • Scope: Importance of proper installation locations.
  • Topics:
    • Piping installation location
    • Installation requirements for specific refrigerant types
    • Refrigerant pipe penetrations
    • Stress and strain prevention
    • Condensate control
    • Stop valves

IMC Section 1110: Pressure Testing

• Scope: Pressure testing for strength, leaks, and tightness.
• Topics:
  • Refrigerant piping system exposure
  • Test gases used
  • Test apparatus accuracy
  • Pressure and leak testing guidelines
  • Booster compressors
  • Non-positive displacement compressors
  • Contractor or engineer declaration

Periodic Testing

• Scope: Regular testing of specific energy devices and systems.
• Systems Included:
  • Treatment and flaring systems
  • Valves and control boxes
  • Fans and associated ventilation equipment
  • Detection and alarm systems