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Chapter 11 — REFRIGERATION

1105.12 Storage. Refrigerants and refrigerant oils not

California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

charged within the refrigeration system shall be stored in accordance with Section 1105.12.1 and the fire code. Storage

1106.2.1 Access. Machinery rooms shall not be prohibited from housing other mechanical equipment unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this chapter. A machinery room shall be so dimensioned that parts are accessible with space for service, maintenance, and operations. There shall be clear head room of not less than 7.25 feet (2210 mm) below equipment situated over passageways. [ASHRAE 15:8.11.1]

1106.1.1 Quantity. The quantity of refrigerant in a single, independent refrigerant circuit of a system exceeds the amounts of Table 1102.3. 1106.1.2 Equipment. Direct- and indirect-fired absorption equipment is used. Exception: Direct and indirect-fired lithium bromide absorption systems using water as the refrigerant. 1106.1.3 A1 System. An A1 system having an aggregate combined compressor horsepower of 100 (74.6 kW) or more is used. 1106.1.4 A1 Refrigerant. The system contains other than a Group A1 refrigerant. Exceptions: (1) Lithium bromide absorption systems using water as

the refrigerant.

(1) Lithium bromide absorption systems using water as

the refrigerant. (2) Systems containing less than 300 pounds (136.1 kg)

of refrigerant R-123 and located in an approved

(2) Systems containing less than 300 pounds (136.1 kg)

of refrigerant R-123 and located in an approved exterior location. Refrigeration machinery rooms shall house refrigerant-containing portions of the system other than the piping and evaporators permitted by Section 1104.4, discharge piping required of this chapter, and cooling towers regulated by Part II of this chapter, and their essential piping. Requirements.1106.2 Refrigeration Machinery Room, General Where a refrigeration system is located indoors and a machinery room is required in accordance with Section 1106.1, the machinery room shall be in accordance with Section 1106.2.1 through Section 1106.2.5.2.

214 2019 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

REFRIGERATION

1106.2.2 Openings. Each refrigeration machinery room shall have a tight-fitting door or doors opening outward, self-closing where they open into the building and adequate in number to ensure freedom for persons to escape in an emergency. With the exception of access doors and panels in air ducts and air-handling units in accordance with Section 1106.6, there shall be no openings that will permit passage of escaping refrigerant to other parts of the building. [ASHRAE 15:8.11.2]

1106.2.4 Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation referred to in Section 1106.2.3 shall be by one or more powerdriven fans capable of exhausting air from the machinery room at not less than the amount shown in accordance with Section 1106.2.5.

1106.2.2.1 Detectors and Alarms. Each refrigeration machinery room shall contain one or more refrigerant detectors in accordance with Section 1106.2.2.2, located in areas where refrigerant from a leak will concentrate, that actuate an alarm and mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 1106.2.4 at a set point not more than the corresponding Occupational Exposure Limit, OEL, in accordance with Table 1102.3, a set point determined in accordance with the OEL as defined in Chapter 2 shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The alarm shall annunciate visual and audible alarms inside the refrigeration machinery room and outside each entrance to the refrigeration machinery room. The alarms required in this section shall be of the manual reset type with the reset located inside the refrigeration machinery room. Alarms set at other levels, such as IDLH, and automatic reset alarms shall be permitted in addition to those required in accordance with this section. The meaning of each alarm shall be clearly marked by signage near the annunciator. Exception: Refrigerant detectors are not required where only systems using R-718 (water) are located in the refrigeration machinery room. 1106.2.2.2 Refrigerant Detectors. Refrigerant detectors required in accordance with Section 1106.2.2.1 or Section 1107.1.7 shall meet all of the following conditions: (1) The refrigerant detector shall perform automatic

self-testing of sensors. Where a failure is

To obtain a reduced airflow for normal ventilation, multiple fans or multispeed fans shall be used. Provision shall be made to supply make-up air to replace that being exhausted. Ducts for supply and exhaust to the machinery room shall serve no other area. The makeup air supply locations shall be positioned relative to the exhaust air locations to avoid short-circuiting. Inlets to the exhaust ducts shall be located in an area where refrigerant from a leak will concentrate, in consideration of the location of the replacement supply air paths, refrigerating machines, and the density of the refrigerant relative to air.

Inlets to exhaust ducts shall be within 1 foot (305 mm) of the lowest point of the machinery room for refrigerants that are heavier than air, and shall be within 1 foot (305 mm) of the highest point for refrigerants that are lighter than air. The discharge of the exhaust air shall be to the outdoors in such a manner as not to cause a nuisance or danger. 1106.2.5 Emergency Ventilation-Required Air-flow. An emergency ventilation system shall be required to exhaust an accumulation of refrigerant due to leaks or a rupture of the system. The emergency ventilation required shall be capable of removing air from the machinery room in not less than the airflow quantity in Section 1106.2.5.1 or Section 1106.2.5.2. Where multiple refrigerants are present, then the highest airflow quantity shall apply.

«

(1) The refrigerant detector shall perform automatic

self-testing of sensors. Where a failure is detected, a trouble signal shall be activated. (2) The refrigerant detector shall have one or more

set points to activate responses in accordance

(2) The refrigerant detector shall have one or more

set points to activate responses in accordance with Section 1106.2.2.1 or Section 1107.1.7. (3) The refrigerant detector as installed, including

any sampling tubes, shall activate responses

B2 and B3 Refrigerants.1106.2.5.1 Ventilation - A1, A2, A3, B1, B2L, The emergency ventilation for A1, A2, A3, B1, B2L, B2 and B3 refrigerants shall have the capacity to provide mechanical exhaust at a rate as determined in accordance with Equation 1106.2.5.1:

Q = 100 G (Equation 1106.2.5.1)

Where: Q = Air flow rate, cubic feet per minute. G = Refrigerant mass in largest system, pounds.

For SI units: 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.00047 m 3 /s, 1 pound = 0.453 kg 1106.2.5.2 Ventilation - Group A2L Refriger-ants. The emergency ventilation for A2L refrigerants shall have the capacity to provide mechanical exhaust at a rate determined in accordance with Table 1106.2.5.2:

(3) The refrigerant detector as installed, including

any sampling tubes, shall activate responses within a time not to exceed 30 seconds after exposure to refrigerant concentration exceeding the set point value specified in Section 1106.2.2.1 or Section 1107.1.7. 1106.2.3 Mechanical Ventilation. Machinery rooms shall be vented to the outdoors, utilizing mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 1106.2.4 and Section 1106.2.5.

2019 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 215

REFRIGERATION any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parti es.

TABLE 1106.2.5.2 REQUIRED AIRFLOW FOR GROUP A2L REFRIGERANTS

(1) The free-aperture cross section for the ventilation of a

machinery room shall be not less than as determined in accordance with Equation 1106.4.

F = G [Equation 1106.4]

(2) The location of the gravity ventilation openings shall be

based on the relative density of the refrigerant to air.

[ASHRAE 15:8.11.5(a), (b)]

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Contents — California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)
California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)
  1. Chapter 1 — GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
  4. Chapter 4 — VENTILATION AIR
  5. Chapter 5 — EXHAUST SYSTEMS
  6. Chapter 6 — DUCT SYSTEMS
  7. Chapter 7 — COMBUSTION AIR
  8. Chapter 8 — CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
  9. Chapter 9 — INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
  10. Chapter 10 — BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
  11. Chapter 11 — REFRIGERATION
    Overview
    1. 1103.3 Higher Flammability Refrigerants. Group A3
    2. 1101.1 Applicability. 1101.0 General. Part I governs the desig…
    3. 1101.2 Equipment. Equipment for refrigerant recovery,
    4. 1102.1 General.1102.0 Refrigeration Systems. Refrigeration sys…
    5. 1102.2 Ammonia Refrigeration Systems. Refrigeration
    6. 1102.3 Refrigerants. The refrigerant used shall be of a type
    7. 1103.1 Classification of Refrigerants. 1103.0 Classification. …
    8. 1104.1 System Selection. tion System Use. Refrigeration system…
    9. 1104.2 Refrigerant Concentration Limit. The concentration of r…
    10. 1104.5 Flammable Refrigerants. The total of Group A2,
    11. 1104.6 Applications for Human Comfort and for Non-industrial O…
    12. 1104.7 Refrigerant Type and Purity. Refrigerants shall
    13. 1104.3 Institutional Occupancies. The RCL value
    14. 1104.8 Changing Refrigerants. A change in the type of
    15. 1105.2 Supports and Anchorage. Supports and anchorage for refr…
    16. 1105.3 Access. An unobstructed readily accessible opening and …
    17. 1105.4 Illumination and Service Receptacles. In addition to th…
    18. 1105.6 Prohibited Locations. Refrigeration systems or
    19. 1105.7 Condensate. Condensate from air-cooling coils
    20. 1105.8 Defrost. Where defrost cycles are required for portions…
    21. 1105.9 Overflows. Where condensate or defrost liquids are
    22. 1105.11 Refrigerant Port Protection. Air conditioning
    23. 1105.12 Storage. Refrigerants and refrigerant oils not
    24. 1106.5 Combustion Air. No open flames that use combustion air …
    25. 1106.6 Airflow. There shall be no airflow to or from an occupi…
    26. 1106.7 Ventilation Intake. Makeup air intakes to replace
    27. 1106.8 Maximum Temperature. Ventilation or mechanical
    28. 1106.9 Refrigerant Parts in Air Duct. Joints and refrigerant-c…
    29. 1106.3 Normal Operation. A part of the refrigeration
    30. 1106.4 Natural Ventilation. Where a refrigerating system
    31. 1108.2 Electrical. Electrical equipment and installations shall
    32. 1108.3 Emergency Shut-off. A clearly identified emergency shut…
    33. 1106.10 Dimensions. Refrigeration machinery rooms shall
    34. 1106.11 Restricted Access. Access to the refrigeration
    35. 1106.12 Exits. Exits shall comply with the building code for
    36. 1107.0 Machinery Room, Special Requirements.1107.1 General. In…
    37. 1108.4 Installation, Maintenance, and Testing. Detection and a…
    38. 1108.5 Emergency Pressure Control System. Where
    39. 1109.1 Materials. 1109.0 Refrigeration Piping, Containers, and…
    40. 1109.2 Joints. Iron or steel pipe joints shall be of approved
    41. 1109.3 Penetration of Piping. Refrigerant piping shall not
    42. 1109.4 Location of Refrigeration Piping. Refrigerant
    43. 1109.5 Underground Piping. Refrigerant piping placed
    44. 1109.6 Support. In addition to the requirements of Section
    45. 1109.7 Pipe Enclosure. Refrigerant piping and tubing
    46. 1109.8 Visual Inspection. Refrigerant piping and joints
    47. 1109.9 Condensation. Piping and fittings that convey
    48. 1109.10 Identification. Piping shall be in accordance with
    49. 1110.4 Access. Stop valves required by Section 1110.0 shall
    50. 1110.5 Identification. Stop valves shall be identified by tagg…
    51. 1111.1 Where Required.1111.0 Pressure-Limiting Devices. Pressu…
    52. 1111.2 Setting. Pressure limiting devices shall be set in
    53. 1110.2 More than 110 Pounds of Refrigerant. Systems
    54. 1110.3 Support. Stop valves installed in copper refrigerant
    55. 1111.3 Location. Stop valves shall not be installed between
    56. 1111.4 Emergency Stop. Activation of a pressure limiting
    57. 1112.2 Positive Displacement Compressor. A positive
    58. 1112.5 Hydrostatic Expansion. Pressure rise resulting
    59. 1112.6 Actuation. Pressure-relief devices shall be directpress…
    60. 1112.3 Liquid-Containing Portions of Systems. Liquid-containin…
    61. 1112.4 Evaporators. Heat exchanger coils located downstream, o…
    62. 1112.7 Stop Valves Prohibited. Stop valves shall not be
    63. 1112.8 Location. Pressure-relief devices shall be connected
    64. 1112.9 Materials. The seats and discs of pressure-relief
    65. 1112.10 Pressure-Relief Device Settings. Pressure-relief
    66. 1112.11 Discharge from Pressure-Relief Devices. Pressure-relie…
    67. 1112.12 Discharge Piping. The piping used for pressurerelief d…
    68. 1113.2 Type of Protection. Pressure vessels with an internal g…
    69. 1113.3 Discharging into Lowside of System. For pressure-relief…
    70. 1113.4 Parallel Pressure-Relief Devices. Two or more
    71. 1113.5 Discharge Capacity. The minimum required discharge capa…
    72. 1112.13 Rating of Pressure-Relief Device. The rated
    73. 1114.0 Special Discharge Requirements.1114.1 General. Systems …
    74. 1114.2 Design Requirements. Flaring devices shall be
    75. 1114.3 Testing. Flaring systems shall be tested to demonstrate…
    76. 1113.6 Three-Way Valve. Pressure vessels of 10 cubic feet
    77. 1115.1 General. 1115.0 Labeling and Identification. In additio…
    78. 1115.2 Volume and Type. A condenser, receiver, absorber,
    79. 1115.3 Permanent Sign. In a refrigeration machinery room
    80. 1115.4 Marking of Pressure-Relief Devices. Pressurerelief valv…
    81. 1116.1 Factory Tests. 1116.0 Testing of Refrigeration Equipmen…
    82. 1116.3 Test Gases. Tests shall be performed with dry nitrogen …
    83. 1116.2 Field Tests. Refrigerant-containing parts of a system t…
    84. 1116.4 Declaration. A dated declaration of test shall be provi…
    85. 1116.5 Brine Systems. Brine-containing portions of a system sh…
    86. 1117.1 Inside Dimensions 6 inches or Less.1117.0 Refrigerant-C…
    87. 1117.2 Inside Dimensions More than 6 inches. Pressure vessels …
    88. 1117.3 Pressure Vessels for 15 psig or Less. Pressure
    89. 1122.2 Automated Control of Cycles of Concentra-tion. Cooling …
    90. 1123.1 General. 1123.0 Location. Cooling towers, evaporative c…
    91. 1124.1 General. 1124.0 Electrical. Electrical systems shall be…
    92. 1125.1 General. 1125.0 Refrigerants and Hazardous Fluids. Equi…
    93. 1126.0 Drift Eliminators.1126.1 General. Cooling towers, evapo…
  12. Chapter 12 — HYDRONICS
  13. Chapter 13 — FUEL GAS PIPING
  14. Chapter 14 — PROCESS PIPING
  15. Chapter 15 — SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
  16. Chapter 16 — STATIONARY POWER PLANTS
  17. Chapter 17 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  18. Appendix A — RESIDENTIAL PLAN EXAMINER REVIEW FORM FOR HVAC SY…
  19. Appendix B — PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED TO PLACE GAS EQUIPMENT …
  20. Appendix C — INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID) FUEL-FIR…
  21. Appendix D — FUEL SUPPLY: MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND R…
  22. Appendix E — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
  23. Appendix F — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION …
  24. Appendix G — EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF OUTDOOR AIR RATE

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