1105.3 Access — 2025 California Mechanical Code

An unobstructed readily accessible opening and passageway not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width and 80 inches (2032 mm) in height shall be provided and maintained to the compressor, valves required by this chapter, or other portions of the system requiring routine maintenance.

Exceptions:

(1) Refrigerant evaporators, suspended overhead, shall be permitted to use portable means of access.

(2) Air filters, brine control or stop valves, fan motors or drives, and remotely de-energized electrical connections shall be permitted to be provided access to an unobstructed space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in depth, width, and height. Where an access opening is immediately adjacent to these items and the equipment is capable of being serviced, repaired, and replaced from this opening, the dimensions shall be permitted to be reduced to 22 inches (559 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm) provided the largest piece of equipment is removed through the opening.

(3) Cooling equipment, using Group A1 refrigerants or brine, located in an attic or furred space shall be permitted to be provided access by a minimum opening and passageway thereto of not less than 22 inches (559 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm).

(4) Cooling or refrigeration equipment, using Group A1 or B1 refrigerants or brine, located on a roof or on an exterior wall of a building, shall be permitted to be provided access as for furnaces in Section 304.3.