1104.2 Refrigerant Concentration Limit (RCL) — 2025 California Mechanical Code

The concentration of refrigerant in a complete discharge of an

REFRIGERATION

TABLE 1104.1 PERMISSIBLE REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS [1 ]

Notes: 1 See Section 1104.0. 2 A refrigerant shall be permitted to be used within a high-probability system where the room or space is in accordance with Section 1104.4. 3 Occupancy classifications are defined in the building code. 4 See Section 1104.6 for requirements applicable to A2L equipment.

independent circuit of high-probability systems shall not exceed the amounts shown in Table 1102.3, except as provided in Section 1104.3, Section 1104.4, and Section 1104.6. The volume of occupied space shall be determined in accordance with Section 1104.2.1 through Section 1104.2.3. Exceptions: (1) Listed equipment in locations other than public corridors and lobbies containing not more than 6.6 pounds (2.99 kg) of refrigerant, regardless of its refrigerant safety classification, provided the equipment is installed in accordance with the listing and with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

(2) Listed equipment for use in laboratories with more than 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) of space per person, regardless of the refrigerant safety classification, provided that the equipment is installed in accordance with the listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. {ASHRAE 15:7.2}

1104.2.1 Volume Calculations. The volume used to convert from refrigerant concentration limits to refrigerating system quantity limits for refrigerants in Section 1104.2 shall be based on the volume of space to which refrigerant disperses in the event of a refrigerant leak.

[ASHRAE 15:7.3]

1104.2.2 Nonconnecting Spaces. Where a refrigerating system, or a part thereof, is located in one or more enclosed occupied spaces that do not connect through permanent openings or HVAC ducts, the volume of the smallest occupied space shall be used to determine the refrigerant quantity limit in the system. Where different stories and floor levels connect through an open atrium or mezzanine arrangement, the volume to be used in calculating the refrigerant quantity limit shall be determined by multiplying the floor area of the lowest space by 8.2 feet (2499 mm). [ASHRAE 15:7.3.1]

228 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

REFRIGERATION

1104.2.3 Ventilated Spaces. Where a refrigerating system, or a part thereof, is located within an air handler, in an air distribution duct system, or in an occupied space served by a mechanical ventilation system, the entire air distribution system shall be analyzed to determine the worst-case distribution of leaked refrigerant. The worst case or the smallest volume in which the leaked refrigerant disperses shall be used to determine the refrigerant quantity limit in the system, subject to the criteria in accordance with Section 1104.2.3.1 through Section 1104.2.3.3. [ASHRAE 15:7.3.2]

1104.2.3.1 Closures. Closures in the air distribution system shall be considered. Where one or more spaces of several arranged in parallel are capable of being closed off from the source of the refrigerant leak, their volume(s) shall not be used in the calculation.

Exceptions: The following closure devices are not considered:

(1) Smoke dampers, fire dampers, and combination smoke/fire dampers that close only in an emergency not associated with a refrigerant leak.

(2) Dampers, such as variable-air-volume (VAV) boxes, that provide limited closure where airflow is not reduced below 10 percent of its maximum (with the fan running). [ASHRAE 15:7.3.2.1] 1104.2.3.2 Plenums. The space above a suspended ceiling shall not be included in calculating the refrigerating system quantity limits unless such space is part of the air supply or return system.

[ASHRAE 15:7.3.2.2] 1104.2.3.3 Supply and Return Ducts. The volume of the supply and return ducts and plenums shall be included when calculating the refrigerating system quantity limits. [ASHRAE 15:7.3.2.3]