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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

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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
    Overview
    1. 301.1 Applicability. This chapter covers general requirements …
    2. 301.2 Approval. Equipment or appliance shall be approved
    3. 301.3 Design of Equipment. The installer or contractor
    4. 301.4 Electrical Connections. For equipment regulated
    5. 301.5 Oil-Burning Appliances. The tank, piping, and
    6. 301.6 Personnel Protection. A metal guard shall be provided ar…
    7. 301.7 OSHPD 1R [OSHPD 1R]. For OSHPD 1R, refer to
    8. 302.1 Minimum Standards. Listed pipe, pipe fittings,
    9. 302.2 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construc-
    10. 302.3 Alternative Engineered Design. An alternative
    11. 303.1 Listed Appliances. The installation of equipment
    12. 303.2 Closet or Alcove Installations. [Not adopted
    13. 303.3 Unlisted Appliances. Except as otherwise permitted in th…
    14. 303.4 Anchorage of Appliances. Appliances designed to
    15. 303.5 Movement. Movement of appliances with casters
    16. 303.6 Identification of Equipment. Where more than one
    17. 303.7 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Facilities. Containers,
    18. 303.8 Appliances on Roofs. Appliances on roofs shall be
    19. 303.9 Avoiding Strain on Gas Piping. Appliances shall
    20. 303.10 Clearances. Appliances and their vent connectors
    21. 303.11 Installation in Commercial Garages. Appliances installe…
    22. 303.12 Installation in Aircraft Hangars. Heaters in aircraft h…
    23. 304.1 General. All appliances shall be located with respect
    24. 304.2 Sloped Roof. Where equipment or appliances that
    25. 304.3 Access to Appliances on Roofs. Appliances
    26. 304.4 Appliances in Attics and Under-Floor Spaces.
    27. 305.4 Elevator Shaft. Unless required for the functionality
    28. 305.5 Drainage Pan. Where a water heater is located in an
    29. 306.1 General. Heating appliances shall be equipped with
    30. 306.2 Building Automation Systems. [OSHPD 1]
    31. 305.1 Installation in Residential Garages. Appliances
    32. 305.2 Pit Location. Where excavation is necessary to
    33. 305.3 Flood Hazard Areas. For buildings located in flood
    34. 307.1 Fuel-Burning Appliances. Fuel-burning heating
    35. 307.2 Electric Heating Appliances. Electric heating
    36. 307.3 Heat Pump and Electric Cooling Appliances.
    37. 307.4 Absorption Units. Absorption units shall bear a permanen…
    38. 308.1 General. Piping or equipment shall not be so located as
    39. 309.1 Engineering Practices. Design, construction, and
    40. 309.2 Concealing Imperfections. It shall be unlawful to
    41. 309.3 Installation Practices. Mechanical systems shall
    42. 310.1 Condensate Disposal. Condensate from air washers, air-co…
    43. 310.2 Condensate Control. Where any equipment or
    44. 310.3 Condensate Waste Pipe Material and Sizing.
    45. 310.4 Appliance Condensate Drains. Condensate drain
    46. 310.5 Point of Discharge. Air-conditioning condensate
    47. 310.6 Condensate Waste From Air-Conditioning
    48. 310.7 Plastic Fittings. Female plastic screwed fittings shall
    49. 311.1 Source. A heating or cooling air system shall be provide…
    50. 313.7 Gas Piping. Gas piping shall be supported by metal
    51. 311.2 Air Filters. Air filters shall be installed in a heating,
    52. 311.3 Prohibited Source. Outside or return air for a heating o…
    53. 311.4 Return-Air Limitations. Return air from one
    54. 311.5 California Energy Code Requirements for Res-
    55. 312.1 General. Water supply, sanitary drainage, and backflow p…
    56. 313.1 General. Piping, tubing, appliances, and appurtenances s…
    57. 313.2 Material. Hangers and anchors shall be of sufficient
    58. 313.3 Suspended Piping. Suspended piping or tubing
    59. 313.4 Alignment. Piping or tubing shall be supported in
    60. 313.5 Underground Installation. Piping or tubing in the
    61. 313.6 Hanger Rod Sizes. Hanger rod sizes shall be not
    62. 314.1 General. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning
    63. 315.1 General. Louvers located in areas within hurricaneprone …
    64. 316.1 General. Piping or tubing passing under or through
    65. 316.2 Installation. Piping or tubing shall be installed so that
    66. 316.3 Corrosion, Erosion, and Mechanical Damage.
    67. 316.4 Protectively Coated Pipe. Protectively coated pipe
    68. 316.5 Fire-Resistant Construction. Piping, tubing, and
    69. 316.6 Steel Nail Plates. Plastic piping or tubing, copper
    70. 316.7 Sleeves. Sleeves shall be provided to protect piping
    71. 316.8 Firewalls. A pipe sleeve through a firewall shall have
    72. 316.9 Structural Members. A structural member weakened or impa…
    73. 316.10 Rodentproofing. Mechanical system shall be constructed …
    74. 316.11 Metal Collars. In or on buildings where openings
    75. 317.1 Trenches. Trenches deeper than the footings of a
    76. 317.2 Tunneling and Driving. Tunneling and driving shall
    77. 317.3 Open Trenches. Excavations required to be made for
    78. 317.4 Excavations. Excavations shall be completely backfilled …
    79. 318.1 Applicability. This part is applicable to health facil-
    80. 318.2 Services/Systems and Utilities. Refer to Section
    81. 319.1 Requirements for Hospitals and Optional Serv-
    82. 319.2 Requirements for Skilled Nursing, Intermedi-
    83. 320.1 Requirements for Hospitals and Optional Serv-
    84. 320.2 Requirements for Skilled Nursing, Intermedi-
    85. 320.3 Requirements for Outpatient Facilities and
    86. 320.4 Telephone and Technology Equipment Centers.
    87. 320.5 Psychiatric Services. [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 4 & 5] For
    88. 321.1 (Does not apply to OSHPD 3 surgical clinic.) All heat-
    89. 321.2 All heating equipment and fans necessary to maintain
    90. 321.3 Equipment necessary for humidification of the areas
    91. 321.4 All supply, return, and exhaust fans required to maintain
    92. 321.5 All control components and control systems necessary
    93. 321.6 Alarms for airborne infection isolation rooms and pro-
    94. 322.1 The following conditions shall be met for sensitive
    95. 323.0 Mechanical Equipment Schedules. [OSHPD 1,
  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
  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 — GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
  24. Appendix G — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION …
  25. Appendix H — EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF OUTDOOR AIR RATE

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