Appendix I — INSTALLATION STANDARD FOR PEX TUBING SYSTEMS FOR HOT- AND COLD-WATER…

(Matrix Adoption Tables are non-regulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.

2019 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 437

438 2019 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

"The information contained in this appendix is not part of this American National Standard (ANS) and has not been processed in accordance with ANSI's requirements for an ANS. As such, this appendix may contain material that has not been subjected to public review or a consensus process. In addition, it does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the standard."

The following IAPMO Installation Standard is included here for the convenience of the users of the California Plumbing Code. It is not considered as a part of the California Plumbing Code unless formally adopted as such. This Installation Standard is an independent, stand-alone document published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and is printed herein by the expressed written permission of IAPMO.

APPENDIX I

INSTALLATION STANDARD FOR PEX TUBING SYSTEMS

FOR HOT- AND COLD-WATER DISTRIBUTION

IAPMO IS 31-2014

The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a state agency, or referenced in the adopting ordinance.

1.0 Scope. 1.1 General. 1.1.1 This Standard specifies requirements for the installation of SDR 9 CTS crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing and fittings, including coldexpansion, crimp, press, and mechanical compression fittings, intended for hot- and coldwater distribution systems within buildings. 1.1.2 This Standards applies to (a) SDR 9 CTS PEX tubing complying with

ASTM F876 and pressure-rated in accor

(a) SDR 9 CTS PEX tubing complying with

ASTM F876 and pressure-rated in accordance with PPI TR-3; and (b) PEX fitting systems complying with

(i) ASTM F877, for mechanical compression fittings and metal or plastic insert fittings with stainless steel press sleeves; (ii) ASTM F1807 or ASTM F2159, for

metal or plastic insert fittings with

(ii) ASTM F1807 or ASTM F2159, for

metal or plastic insert fittings with copper crimp rings; (iii) ASTM F1960, for cold expansion fit tings with PEX reinforced rings; or

(iii) ASTM F1960, for cold expansion fit tings with PEX reinforced rings; or (iv) ASTM F2080, for cold expansion fit tings with metal compression sleeves.

Notes accompanying sections of the Standard do not specify requirements or alternative requirements; their purpose is to separate explanatory or informative material from the text. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and can be written as requirements. 1.3 Amendments. Proposals for amendments to this Standard will be processed in accordance with the standardswriting procedures of IAPMO.

2.0 Reference Publications. This Standard refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the current edition of those publications, including all amendments published thereto.

ASTM F876 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing ASTM F877 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Hot- and ColdWater Distribution Systems ASTM F1807 Standard Specification for Metal Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing ASTM F1960 Standard Specification for Cold Expansion Fittings with PEX Reinforcing Rings for Use with Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing ASTM F2080 Standard Specification for ColdExpansion Fittings With Metal Compression-Sleeves for Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe

(iv) ASTM F2080, for cold expansion fit tings with metal compression sleeves. 1.2 Terminology. In this Standard, (a) “shall” is used to express a requirement,

i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to

(a) “shall” is used to express a requirement,

i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy to comply with the Standard; (b) “should” is used to express a recommen dation, but not a requirement;

(b) “should” is used to express a recommen dation, but not a requirement; (c) “may” is used to express an option or

something permissible within the scope of

(c) “may” is used to express an option or

something permissible within the scope of the Standard; and (d) “can” is used to express a possibility or a

capability.

capability.

2019 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 439

APPENDIX I any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parti es.

ASTM F2159 Standard Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing ASTM F2657 Standard Test Method for Outdoor Weathering Exposure of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing AWWA C904 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Tubing, ½ In. (12 mm) Through 3 In. (76 mm) for Water Service IAPMO/ANSI UPC-1 Uniform Plumbing Code PPI TR-3 Policies and Procedures for Developing Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB), Strength Design Basis (SDB), and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Tubing Materials or Tubing

3.0 Abbreviations. The following abbreviations apply in this Standard: CTS

 - copper tube size

HDPE

 - high density polyethylene

 - insulation contact

NTS

 - nominal tubing size

PEX

 - crosslinked polyethylene

SDR

 - standard dimension ratio

UV

 - ultraviolet light

4.2 Fittings. 4.2.1 Cold-Expansion Fittings. Cold-expansion fittings typically (a) are made of brass, stainless steel, or sulfone; (b) consist of an insert and a PEX reinforcing

ring; and

(b) consist of an insert and a PEX reinforcing

ring; and (c) are available in NTS- ³ ⁄8 to NTS-3. 4.2.2 Crimp or Press Insert Fittings. Crimp or press insert fittings typically (a) are made of brass, stainless steel, or sulfone; (b) consist of an insert and a copper crimp ring

or a stainless steel press ring

(b) consist of an insert and a copper crimp ring

or a stainless steel press ring (c) are available in NTS- ³ ⁄8 to NTS-2. 4.2.3 Compression Fittings. Compression (i.e., transition) fittings typically (a) are made of brass; and (b) consist of

(i) a nut, a compression ring, and an insert; or (ii) an O-ring brass insert with a compres sion sleeve

4.0 General.

4.1 Tubing.

4.1.1 PEX tubing can be (a) pigmented throughout (i.e., with color); (b) non-pigmented (e.g., translucent or natu ral); or

(b) non-pigmented (e.g., translucent or natu ral); or (c) coated with a pigmented layer. 4.1.2 PEX tubing is typically available in NTS- ¹ /4 to NTS-3. 4.1.3 Before installation, the installer shall review the tubing markings and verify that (a) the standard designation(s) of the fittings

to which the tube can be joined to is

(ii) an O-ring brass insert with a compres sion sleeve (c) are available in NTS- ¹ ⁄ 4 to NTS-3. 4.3 Installation. Only fittings systems marked on the tubing shall be used for installation with that particular tubing. 4.4 Tools. Tools and tool accessories (e.g., tool heads) used for the installation of PEX tubing systems shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and written instructions. 4.5 Tubing Protection. 4.5.1 Abrasion. PEX tubing passing through drilled or notched metal studs or metal joists, or hollow-shell masonry walls shall be protected from abrasion by elastomeric or plastic sleeves or grommets. 4.5.2 Puncture. Steel-plate protection shall be installed in accordance with the local plumbing code.

(a) the standard designation(s) of the fittings

to which the tube can be joined to is included in the markings; (b) it bears a certification mark from an

accredited certification organization; and

(b) it bears a certification mark from an

accredited certification organization; and (c) pressure and temperature ratings meet or

exceed that of the intended end-use.

5.0 Handling. 5.1 Receiving. When receiving PEX tubing shipments, the receiver shall inspect and inventory each shipment, ensuring that there has been no loss or damage. In addition: (a) At the time of unloading, the markings of all

tubing, fittings, and accessories shall be verified to ensure that all items have been manufactured in accordance with the applicable product Standard and appropriately certified.

exceed that of the intended end-use.

440 2019 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

APPENDIX I

(b) An overall examination of the shipment

shall be made. If the shipment is intact,

(b) An overall examination of the shipment

shall be made. If the shipment is intact, ordinary inspection while unloading shall be sufficient to ensure that the items have arrived in good condition. (c) If the load has shifted, has broken packag ing, or shows evidence of rough treatment,

(c) If the load has shifted, has broken packag ing, or shows evidence of rough treatment, each item shall be carefully inspected for damage. (d) The total quantities of each shipment (e.g.,

tubing, gaskets, fittings, and accessories)

(d) The total quantities of each shipment (e.g.,

tubing, gaskets, fittings, and accessories) shall be checked against shipping records. (e) Any damaged or missing items shall be

noted on the delivery slip. The carrier shall

can experience a 22ºC (40ºF) or greater change in temperature (operating temperature compared to ambient temperature) shall be controlled by a means of mitigating temperature-induced stresses to other parts of the water distribution system. Means for controlling thermal expansion and contraction include (a) loops; (b) offsets; (c) arms with rigid anchor points; and (d) supporting the tubing with continuous runs

of CTS support channels with

(e) Any damaged or missing items shall be

noted on the delivery slip. The carrier shall be notified immediately and a claim made in accordance with its instructions. (f) No damaged material shall be disposed of. The carrier shall recommend the procedure to follow. (g) Shortages and damaged materials are nor mally not reshipped without request. If

(ii) proper strapping (e.g., 27 kg (60 lb)

straps or equivalent) spaced 1 m (3 ft) and rated for the maximum temperature and UV exposure of the PEX tubing application. 6.2 Vertical Tubing Runs. Thermal expansion and contraction forces on vertical runs of PEX tubing that pass through more than one floor and can experience a 22ºC (40ºF) or greater change in temperature (operating temperature compared to ambient temperature) shall be controlled by installing (a) a riser clamp at the top of every other floor;

and

supporting the tubing with continuous runs

of CTS support channels with (i) rigid anchor points installed every 20 m (65 ft); and (ii) proper strapping (e.g., 27 kg (60 lb)

straps or equivalent) spaced 1 m (3 ft)

(g) Shortages and damaged materials are nor mally not reshipped without request. If replacement material is needed, it shall be reordered from the manufacturer, the distributor, or a manufacturer’s representative. 5.2 Storage and UV Exposure. 5.2.1 PEX tubing and fittings shall be stored indoors and in its original packaging until the time of installation. Appropriate precautions to protect the tubing from damage, impact, and punctures shall be taken. 5.2.2 Accumulative exposure time to UV radiation during storage and installation shall not exceed the UV exposure limits recommended by the manufacturer or specified in ASTM F876. Note: ASTM F876 has four categories for UV- resistance, ranging from untested to 6 months of continuous exposure, as listed in the material designation code. 5.3 Exposure to Heat. 5.3.1 PEX tubing and fittings shall not be exposed to open flames. 5.3.2 PEX tubing shall not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 93ºC (200ºF). 5.4 Exposure to Chemicals. 5.4.1 Chemical compatibility (e.g., with common construction materials) shall be verified with the manufacturer prior to direct contact. 5.4.2 In general, petroleum- or solvent-based chemicals (e.g., paints, greases, pesticides, or sealants) shall not be allowed to come in direct contact with PEX tubing or fittings.

(a) a riser clamp at the top of every other floor;

and (b) mid-story guides to maintain the alignment

of the vertical tubing.

(b) mid-story guides to maintain the alignment

of the vertical tubing. Note: Installing riser clamps isolates expan- sion and contraction to two-floor intervals allowing the PEX tubing to naturally compen- sate for the expansion and contraction. 6.3 Clearance. Adequate clearance shall be provided between PEX tubing and the building structure (e.g., using bored holes and sleeves) to allow for free longitudinal movement of the tubing. 6.4 Expansion Arms and Expansion Loops.

6.4.1 Expansion Arms (See Figure 1).

6.4.1.1 Expansion arms shall be installed as illustrated in Figure 1. 6.4.1.2 The minimum length of expansion arms shall be calculated using the following equation:

6.0 Thermal Expansion and Contraction. 6.1 Horizontal Tubing Runs. Thermal expansion and contraction forces on suspended horizontal runs of PEX tubing that

LB = C × √(D × ΔL) where LB = length of flexible arm C = material constant (12 for PEX) D = nominal outside diameter of tubing ΔL = thermal expansion length

2019 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 441

APPENDIX I any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parti es.

6.4.2 Expansion Loops (See Figure 2).

6.4.2.1 Expansion loops shall be installed at the midpoint between anchors, as illustrated in Figure 2. 6.4.2.2 The minimum length of expansion loops shall be calculated using the equation in Section 6.4.1.2; however, the distance LB shall be divided into three sections, as illustrated in Figure 2, where L1 = LB ÷ 5; and L2 = L1 × 2

7.0 Hangers and Supports. 7.1 Vertical Tubing. Vertical PEX tubing shall (a) be supported at each floor or as specified by

the water-distribution system designer to

(a) be supported at each floor or as specified by

the water-distribution system designer to allow for expansion and contraction; and (b) have mid-story guides. 7.2 Horizontal Tubing. Unless otherwise authorized by the authority having jurisdiction, suspended horizontal runs of PEX tubing (a) NTS-1 and smaller shall be supported

every 0.8 m (32 in), unless continuously

NTS-1 and smaller shall be supported

every 0.8 m (32 in), unless continuously supported by metallic CTS or V channels that (i) are supported at intervals not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft); (ii) have a maximum cantilever, measured

from the support to the end of the CTS

8.0 Joints and Connections. 8.1 Assembly Procedure. The procedure for making joints shall be as specified by the manufacturer. 8.2 Concealed Joints. PEX tubing systems manufactured in accordance with the applicable standards referenced in Section 2 are deemed manufactured joints and may be installed in concealed spaces without the need for access panels.

9.0 Clearances. 9.1 Gas Vents. Except for double-wall B-vents, which require a 25 mm (1 in) clearance, the clearance between gas appliance vents and PEX tubing shall be at least 150 mm (6 in). 9.2 Recessed Light Fixtures. Except when the PEX tubing is protected with fiberglass or closed-cell insulation or the recessed light is IC-rated, the clearance between recessed light fixtures and PEX tubing shall be at least 300 mm (12 in). 9.3 Fluorescent Lighting. When in direct view of the light source, the clearance between fluorescent lighting and PEX tubing shall be at least 1.5 m (5 ft). If the minimum clearance cannot be achieved, the PEX tubing shall be protected with a UV-blocking sleeve.

(ii) have a maximum cantilever, measured

from the support to the end of the CTS support channel, of 0.5 m (1.5 ft); and (b) NTS-1 ¹ ⁄4 and larger shall be supported

every 1.2 m (4 ft), unless continuously sup

NTS-1 ¹ ⁄4 and larger shall be supported

every 1.2 m (4 ft), unless continuously supported by metallic CTS or V channels that (i) are supported at intervals not exceeding 2.4 m (8 ft); and (ii) have a maximum cantilever, measured

from the support to the end of the CTS