1310.3 Medical Air Compressors — 2025 Plumbing Code (CPC)

Medical air compressors shall be installed in a well-lit, ventilated, and clean location and shall be accessible. The location shall be provided with drainage facilities in accordance with this code. The medical air compressor area shall be located separately from medical gas cylinder system sources, and shall be readily accessible for maintenance.

1310.3.1 Category 1 Medical Air Compressor. Medical air compressors shall be sufficient to serve the peak calculated demand with the largest single compressor out of service. In no case shall there be fewer than two compressors. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.6.3.9(B)]

1310.3.2 Required Components. Medical air compressor systems shall consist of the following:

(1) Components shall be arranged to allow service and a continuous supply of medical air in the event of a single fault failure.

Component arrangement shall be permitted to vary as required by the technology(ies) employed, provided that an equal level of operating redundancy and medical air quality is maintained. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.6.3.9(A)(1), 5.1.3.6.3.9(A)(2)]

(2) Automatic means to prevent backflow from all oncycle compressors through all off-cycle compressors.

(3) Manual shutoff valve to isolate each compressor from the centrally piped system and from other compressors for maintenance or repair without loss of pressure in the system.

(4) Intake filter-muffler(s) of the dry type.

(5) Pressure relief valve(s) set at 50 percent above line

pressure.

(6) Piping and components between the compressor and the source shutoff valve that do not contribute to

contaminant levels.

(7) Except as defined in Section 1310.3.2(1) through Section 1310.3.2(6), materials and devices used between the medical air intake and the medical air source valve that are of any design or construction appropriate for the service as determined by the manufacturer. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.6.3.2 (2-7)]