Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
323.0 Mechanical Equipment Schedules. [OSHPD 1,
California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
1R, 2, 4 & 5] Mechanical equipment schedules in the con- struction documents shall clearly indicate which equipment will be powered by essential power or appropriate special seismic certifications.
2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 57
GENERAL REGULATIONS
TABLE 303.10.1 REDUCTION OF CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED FORMS OF PROTECTION 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
| [NFPA 54: TABLE 10.2.3] | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE OF PROTECTION APPLIED TO AND COVERING ALL SURFACES OF COM- BUSTIBLE MATERIAL WITHIN THE DISTANCE SPECIFIED AS THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
WHERE THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION FROM APPLIANCE, VENT CONNECTOR, OR SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE IS: |
| TYPE OF PROTECTION APPLIED TO AND COVERING ALL SURFACES OF COM- BUSTIBLE MATERIAL WITHIN THE DISTANCE SPECIFIED AS THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION |
36 (INCHES) | 36 (INCHES) | 18 (INCHES) | 18 (INCHES) | 12 (INCHES) | 12 (INCHES) | 9 (INCHES) | 9 (INCHES) | 6 (INCHES) | 6 (INCHES) |
| TYPE OF PROTECTION APPLIED TO AND COVERING ALL SURFACES OF COM- BUSTIBLE MATERIAL WITHIN THE DISTANCE SPECIFIED AS THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION |
ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) | ALLOWABLE CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED PROTECTION (INCHES) |
| TYPE OF PROTECTION APPLIED TO AND COVERING ALL SURFACES OF COM- BUSTIBLE MATERIAL WITHIN THE DISTANCE SPECIFIED AS THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
USE COLUMN 1 FOR CLEARANCES ABOVE APPLIANCE OR HORIZONTAL CONNECTOR. USE COLUMN 2 FOR CLEARANCES FROM APPLIANCES, VERTICAL CONNECTOR, AND SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPE. |
| TYPE OF PROTECTION APPLIED TO AND COVERING ALL SURFACES OF COM- BUSTIBLE MATERIAL WITHIN THE DISTANCE SPECIFIED AS THE REQUIRED CLEARANCE WITH NO PROTECTION |
ABOVE (COLUMN 1) |
SIDES AND REAR (COLUMN 2) |
ABOVE (COLUMN 1) |
SIDES AND REAR (COLUMN 2) |
ABOVE (COLUMN 1) |
SIDES AND REAR (COLUMN 2) |
ABOVE (COLUMN 1) |
SIDES AND REAR (COLUMN 2) |
ABOVE (COLUMN 1) |
SIDES AND REAR (COLUMN 2) |
| (1) 31⁄2 inch thick masonry wall without ventilated air space |
–– | 24 | –– | 12 | –– | 9 | –– | 6 | –– | 5 |
| (2) 1⁄2 of an inch insulation board over 1 inch glass fiber or mineral wool batts |
24 |
18 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| (3) 0.024 inch (nominal 24 gauge) sheet metal over 1 inch glass fiber or min- eral wool batts reinforced with wire on rear face with ventilated air space |
18 |
12 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| (4) 31⁄2 inch thick masonry wall with ventilated air space |
–– |
12 | –– | 6 | –– | 6 | –– | 6 | –– | 6 |
| (5) 0.024 inch (nominal 24 gauge) sheet metal with ventilated air space |
18 |
12 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| (6) 1⁄2 of an inch thick insula- tion board with ventilated air space |
18 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| [NFPA 54: TABLE 10.2.3] | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (7) 0.024 inch (nominal 24 gauge) sheet metal with ventilated air space over 0.024 inch (nominal 24 gauge) sheet metal with ventilated air space |
18 |
12 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| (8) 1 inch glass fiber or mineral wool batts sand- wiched between two sheets 0.024 inch (nom- inal 24 gauge) sheet metal with ventilated air space |
18 |
12 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = (°F-32)/1.8
Notes:
1 Reduction of clearances from combustible materials shall not interfere with combustion air, draft hood clearance and relief, and accessibility of servicing. 2 All clearances shall be measured from the outer surface of the combustible material to the nearest point on the surface of the appliance, disregarding any intervening protection applied to the combustible material. 3 Spacers and ties shall be of noncombustible material. No spacer or tie shall be used directly opposite the appliance or connector. 4 Where all clearance reduction systems use a ventilated air space, adequate provision for air circulation shall be provided as described. [See Figure 303.10.1(2) and Figure 303.10.1(3)] 5 At least 1 inch (25.4 mm) shall be between clearance reduction systems and combustible walls and ceilings for reduction systems using a ventilated air space. 6 Where a wall protector is mounted on a single flat wall away from corners, it shall have a minimum 1 inch (25.4 mm) air gap. To provide adequate air circulation, the bottom and top edges, or only the side and top edges, or all edges shall be left open. 7 Mineral wool batts (blanket or board) shall have a minimum density of 8 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft3) (128 kg/m3) and a minimum melting point of 1500°F (816°C). 8 Insulation material used as part of a clearance reduction system shall have a thermal conductivity of 1 British thermal unit inch per hour square foot degree Fahrenheit [Btu•in/(h•ft 2 •°F)] [0.1W/(m•K)] or less. 9 At least 1 inch (25.4 mm) shall be between the appliance and the protector. In no case shall the clearance between the appliance and the combustible surface be reduced below that allowed in Table 303.10.1. 10 All clearances and thicknesses are minimum; larger clearances and thicknesses are acceptable. 11 Listed single-wall connectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
58 2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Notes: 1 A – Equals the clearance with no protection specified in Table 802.7.3.3 and Table 904.2.2 and in the sections applying to various types of equipment. 2 B – Equals the reduced clearance permitted in accordance with Table 303.10.1. 3 The protection applied to the construction using combustible material shall extend far enough in each direction to make C equal to A.
For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm
FIGURE 303.10.1(3) MASONRY CLEARANCE REDUCTION SYSTEM
[NFPA 54: FIGURE 10.3.2.3(c)]
For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm
Note: Masonry walls can be attached to combustible walls using wall ties. Spacers shall not be used directly behind appliance or connector.
FIGURE 303.10.1(2) WALL PROTECTOR CLEARANCE REDUCTION SYSTEM
[NFPA 54: FIGURE 10.3.2.3(b)]
2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 59
FIGURE 303.10.1(1)1, 2, 3 EXTENT OF PROTECTION NECESSARY TO REDUCE CLEARANCES FROM GAS APPLIANCE OR VENT CONNECTORS
[NFPA 54: FIGURE 10.3.2.3(a)]
GENERAL REGULATIONS
| TABLE 313.3 HANGERS AND SUPPORTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| MATERIALS | TYPES OF JOINTS | HORIZONTAL | VERTICAL |
| Cast | Lead and Oakum | 5 feet, except 10 feet where 10 foot lengths are installed1, 2, 3 |
Base and each floor, not to exceed 15 feet |
| Cast | Compression Gasket | Every other joint, unless over 4 feet then support each joint1, 2, 3 |
Base and each floor, not to exceed 15 feet |
| Cast-Iron Hubless | Shielded Coupling | Every other joint, unless over 4 feet then support each joint1, 2, 3, 4 |
Base and each floor, not to exceed 15 feet |
| Copper & Copper Alloys | Soldered, Brazed, Threaded, or Mechanical |
11⁄2 inches and smaller, 6 feet; 2 inches and larger, 10 feet |
Each floor, not to exceed 10 feet5 |
| Steel Pipe for Water DWV |
Threaded or Welded | 3⁄4 inch and smaller, 10 feet; 1 inch and larger, 12 feet |
Every other floor, not to exceed 25 feet5 |
| Steel Pipe for Gas | Threaded or Welded | 1⁄2 inch, 6 feet;3⁄4 inch and 1 inch, 8 feet; 11⁄4 inches and larger, 10 feet |
1⁄2 inch, 6 feet;3⁄4 inch and 1 inch, 8 feet; 11⁄4 inches every floor level |
| Schedule 40 PVC and ABS |
Solvent Cemented | All sizes, 4 feet; allow for expansion every 30 feet3 |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides; provide for expansion every 30 feet |
| CPVC | Solvent Cemented | 1 inch and smaller, 3 feet; 11⁄4 inches and larger, 4 feet |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides |
| CPVC-AL-CPVC | Solvent Cemented | 1⁄2 inch, 5 feet; ¾ inch, 65 inches; 1 inch, 6 feet |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides |
| Lead | Wiped or Burned | Continuous Support | Not to exceed 4 feet |
| Steel | Mechanical | In accordance with standards acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction | In accordance with standards acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction |
| PEX | Cold Expansion, Insert and Compression |
1 inch and smaller, 32 inches; 11⁄4 inches and larger, 4 feet |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides |
| PEX-AL-PEX | Metal insert and metal compression |
1⁄2 inch 3⁄4 inch 1 inch } All sizes 98 inches |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides |
| PE-AL-PE | Metal insert and metal compression |
1⁄2 inch 3⁄4 inch 1 inch } All sizes 98 inches |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides |
| PE-RT | Insert and Compression | 1 inch and smaller, 32 inches; 11⁄4 inches and larger, 4 feet |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Fusion weld (socket, butt, saddle, electrofusion), threaded (metal threads only), or mechanical |
1 inch and smaller, 32 inches; 11⁄4 inches and larger, 4 feet |
Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides |
For SI unit: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm Notes:
first approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
60 2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
1 Support adjacent to joint, not to exceed 18 inches (457 mm). 2 Brace not to exceed 40 feet (12 192 mm) intervals to prevent horizontal movement. 3 Support at each horizontal branch connection. 4 Hangers shall not be placed on the coupling. 5 Vertical water lines shall be permitted to be supported in accordance with recognized engineering principles with regard to expansion and contraction, where
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)
- Chapter 1 — GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
▸Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
Overview- 301.1 Applicability. This chapter covers general requirements …
- 301.2 Approval. Equipment or appliance shall be approved
- 301.3 Design of Equipment. The installer or contractor
- 301.4 Electrical Connections. For equipment regulated
- 301.5 Oil-Burning Appliances. The tank, piping, and
- 301.6 Personnel Protection. A metal guard shall be provided ar…
- 301.7 OSHPD 1R [OSHPD 1R]. For OSHPD 1R, refer to
- 302.1 Minimum Standards. Listed pipe, pipe fittings,
- 302.2 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construc-
- 302.3 Alternative Engineered Design. An alternative
- 303.1 Listed Appliances. The installation of equipment
- 303.2 Closet or Alcove Installations. [Not adopted
- 303.3 Unlisted Appliances. Except as otherwise permitted in th…
- 303.4 Anchorage of Appliances. Appliances designed to
- 303.5 Movement. Movement of appliances with casters
- 303.6 Identification of Equipment. Where more than one
- 303.7 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Facilities. Containers,
- 303.8 Appliances on Roofs. Appliances on roofs shall be
- 303.9 Avoiding Strain on Gas Piping. Appliances shall
- 303.10 Clearances. Appliances and their vent connectors
- 303.11 Installation in Commercial Garages. Appliances installe…
- 303.12 Installation in Aircraft Hangars. Heaters in aircraft h…
- 304.1 General. All appliances shall be located with respect
- 304.2 Sloped Roof. Where equipment or appliances that
- 304.3 Access to Appliances on Roofs. Appliances
- 304.4 Appliances in Attics and Under-Floor Spaces.
- 305.4 Elevator Shaft. Unless required for the functionality
- 305.5 Drainage Pan. Where a water heater is located in an
- 306.1 General. Heating appliances shall be equipped with
- 306.2 Building Automation Systems. [OSHPD 1]
- 305.1 Installation in Residential Garages. Appliances
- 305.2 Pit Location. Where excavation is necessary to
- 305.3 Flood Hazard Areas. For buildings located in flood
- 307.1 Fuel-Burning Appliances. Fuel-burning heating
- 307.2 Electric Heating Appliances. Electric heating
- 307.3 Heat Pump and Electric Cooling Appliances.
- 307.4 Absorption Units. Absorption units shall bear a permanen…
- 308.1 General. Piping or equipment shall not be so located as
- 309.1 Engineering Practices. Design, construction, and
- 309.2 Concealing Imperfections. It shall be unlawful to
- 309.3 Installation Practices. Mechanical systems shall
- 310.1 Condensate Disposal. Condensate from air washers, air-co…
- 310.2 Condensate Control. Where any equipment or
- 310.3 Condensate Waste Pipe Material and Sizing.
- 310.4 Appliance Condensate Drains. Condensate drain
- 310.5 Point of Discharge. Air-conditioning condensate
- 310.6 Condensate Waste From Air-Conditioning
- 310.7 Plastic Fittings. Female plastic screwed fittings shall
- 311.1 Source. A heating or cooling air system shall be provide…
- 313.7 Gas Piping. Gas piping shall be supported by metal
- 311.2 Air Filters. Air filters shall be installed in a heating,
- 311.3 Prohibited Source. Outside or return air for a heating o…
- 311.4 Return-Air Limitations. Return air from one
- 311.5 California Energy Code Requirements for Res-
- 312.1 General. Water supply, sanitary drainage, and backflow p…
- 313.1 General. Piping, tubing, appliances, and appurtenances s…
- 313.2 Material. Hangers and anchors shall be of sufficient
- 313.3 Suspended Piping. Suspended piping or tubing
- 313.4 Alignment. Piping or tubing shall be supported in
- 313.5 Underground Installation. Piping or tubing in the
- 313.6 Hanger Rod Sizes. Hanger rod sizes shall be not
- 314.1 General. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning
- 315.1 General. Louvers located in areas within hurricaneprone …
- 316.1 General. Piping or tubing passing under or through
- 316.2 Installation. Piping or tubing shall be installed so that
- 316.3 Corrosion, Erosion, and Mechanical Damage.
- 316.4 Protectively Coated Pipe. Protectively coated pipe
- 316.5 Fire-Resistant Construction. Piping, tubing, and
- 316.6 Steel Nail Plates. Plastic piping or tubing, copper
- 316.7 Sleeves. Sleeves shall be provided to protect piping
- 316.8 Firewalls. A pipe sleeve through a firewall shall have
- 316.9 Structural Members. A structural member weakened or impa…
- 316.10 Rodentproofing. Mechanical system shall be constructed …
- 316.11 Metal Collars. In or on buildings where openings
- 317.1 Trenches. Trenches deeper than the footings of a
- 317.2 Tunneling and Driving. Tunneling and driving shall
- 317.3 Open Trenches. Excavations required to be made for
- 317.4 Excavations. Excavations shall be completely backfilled …
- 318.1 Applicability. This part is applicable to health facil-
- 318.2 Services/Systems and Utilities. Refer to Section
- 319.1 Requirements for Hospitals and Optional Serv-
- 319.2 Requirements for Skilled Nursing, Intermedi-
- 320.1 Requirements for Hospitals and Optional Serv-
- 320.2 Requirements for Skilled Nursing, Intermedi-
- 320.3 Requirements for Outpatient Facilities and
- 320.4 Telephone and Technology Equipment Centers.
- 320.5 Psychiatric Services. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] For
- 321.1 (Does not apply to OSHPD 3 surgical clinic.) All heat-
- 321.2 All heating equipment and fans necessary to maintain
- 321.3 Equipment necessary for humidification of the areas
- 321.4 All supply, return, and exhaust fans required to maintain
- 321.5 All control components and control systems necessary
- 321.6 Alarms for airborne infection isolation rooms and pro-
- 322.1 The following conditions shall be met for sensitive
- 323.0 Mechanical Equipment Schedules. [OSHPD 1,
- Chapter 4 — VENTILATION AIR
- Chapter 5 — EXHAUST SYSTEMS
- Chapter 6 — DUCT SYSTEMS
- Chapter 7 — COMBUSTION AIR
- Chapter 8 — CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
- Chapter 9 — INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
- Chapter 10 — BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
- Chapter 11 — REFRIGERATION
- Chapter 12 — HYDRONICS
- Chapter 13 — FUEL GAS PIPING
- Chapter 14 — PROCESS PIPING
- Chapter 15 — SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 16 — STATIONARY POWER PLANTS
- Chapter 17 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix A — RESIDENTIAL PLAN EXAMINER REVIEW FORM FOR HVAC SY…
- Appendix B — PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED TO PLACE GAS EQUIPMENT …
- Appendix C — INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID) FUEL-FIR…
- Appendix D — FUEL SUPPLY: MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND R…
- Appendix E — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
- Appendix F — GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Appendix G — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION …
- Appendix H — EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF OUTDOOR AIR RATE