CMC · California Mechanical Code
Boilers and Pressure Vessels
Chapter 10 of the CMC sets safety, standards, inspection, permit, and operation rules for boilers and pressure vessels, referencing ASME and NFPA requirements.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 10 of the California Mechanical Code (CMC) regulates the construction, installation, operation, repair, and alteration of boilers and pressure vessels; applicability and common exclusions are set out in §1001.1.
Because pressure vessels and boilers store or generate large amounts of energy, the CMC requires compliance with nationally recognized standards (for example, ASME BPVC Section VIII for pressure vessels and ASME BPVC Section I or IV or NFPA 85 for boilers) and mandates safety devices and controls such as relief valves, low‑water cutoffs, and approved control systems (§1002.1, §1003.1, §1008.1, §1009.1).
The chapter also establishes inspection, permit, and operation/maintenance requirements: installations generally require inspection and an operating permit before being placed in service, and ongoing inspections and maintenance intervals are prescribed for different types of boilers and unfired vessels (§1013.2, §1014.1).
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CMC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 7 Combustion Air. Chapter 7 regulates combustion air requirements for ventilation and dilution of flue gases for appliances installed in buildings. Fuel-gas appliances not regulated by chapter include direct vent appliances and Type I clothes dryers. Makeup air requirements for Type I clothes dryers are located in Chapter 5. Chapter 7 provides acceptable methods for supplying satisfactory combustion air to ensure proper combustion. Combustion air can be supplied by using indoor combustion air or by introducing the air from the outdoors.
Combustion is the rapid oxidation of fuel to release energy. The oxygen required to release the energy from the fuel normally comes from the air. Incomplete combustion of fuel occurs when inadequate oxygen is provided to the appliance. Combustion is needed to provide ventilation cooling for the casing and internal controls. When a lack of oxygen occurs, some of the carbon is not oxidized, and carbon monoxide forms.
Chapter 8 Chimneys and Vents. Chapter 8 regulates the installation, design, and construction of venting systems for fuel-burning appliances. The provisions addressed within this chapter follow procedures an installer would use to design or evaluate a venting system. Many requirements apply to the design and construction of venting systems, chimneys, installation of gas vents, and the sizing of venting system for a Category I appliance. Sizing venting systems require rigorous engineering calculations. However, the venting sizing requirements and sizing tables in this chapter already perform the calculations for the benefit of the end user.
Combustion appliances produce products of incomplete combustion, including potentially harmful carbon monoxide (CO). It is desirable to vent these products to the outdoors. Although the gas is clean-burning fuel, the products of combustion must not be allowed to collect within a building.
Chapter 9 Installation of Specific Appliances. Chapter 9 regulates the minimum requirements for the design, construction and installation of specific appliances. The provisions address the minimum requirements for gas-fired appliances, oil-fired appliances, wood-fired appliances, and electric-type appliances. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, appliances are also required to comply with the general requirements of Chapter 3.
Chapter 10 Boilers and Pressure Vessels. Chapter 10 regulates the construction, installation, operation, repair, and alteration of boilers and pressure vessels. The safety provisions within this chapter address controls and limit devices for automatic boilers, methods of determining expansion tank capacities, discharge piping, relief valves, shutoff valves, gas-pressure and combustion regulators, and inspections and tests. Potable water heaters are free from the requirements of Chapter 10 as they are within the scope of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Pressure vessels store large amounts of energy and must comply with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII.1. The stored energy must be contained to prevent disastrous failures. Boilers must comply with ASME BPVC Section I, ASME BPVC Section IV, or NFPA 85. Installing a safety relief valve and expansion tank prevents pressures in the tank from exceeding the design threshold.
Chapter 11 Refrigeration. Chapter 11 regulates the design, installation, and construction requirements of refrigeration systems and the installation and construction of cooling towers. Refrigeration is a method used for achieving heat transfer to cool spaces. Refrigerants are the most common medium used to transfer the heat energy from the low-temperature level to the high-temperature level. Table
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FORMAT OF THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
CMC § 1102.3 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 10 Boilers and Pressure Vessels. Chapter 10 regulates the construction, installation, operation, repair, and alteration of boilers and pressure vessels. The safety provisions within this chapter address controls and limit devices for automatic boilers, methods of determining expansion tank capacities, discharge piping, relief valves, shutoff valves, gas-pressure and combustion regulators, and inspections and tests. Potable water heaters are free from the requirements of Chapter 10 as they are within the scope of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Pressure vessels store large amounts of energy and must comply with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII.1. The stored energy must be contained to prevent disastrous failures. Boilers must comply with ASME BPVC Section I, ASME BPVC Section IV, or NFPA 85. Installing a safety relief valve and expansion tank prevents pressures in the tank from exceeding the design threshold.
Chapter 11 Refrigeration. Chapter 11 regulates the design, installation, and construction requirements of refrigeration systems and the installation and construction of cooling towers. Refrigeration is a method used for achieving heat transfer to cool spaces. Refrigerants are the most common medium used to transfer the heat energy from the low-temperature level to the high-temperature level. Table
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FORMAT OF THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
1102.3 lists the most commonly used refrigerants and is labeled by a number. The concentration limits provided in Table 1102.3 are useful for the quantity of refrigerant required to cool a volume of space safely.
A major milestone reached in the industry was the introduction of lower flammability refrigerants such as A2L and B2L. The industry’s concerns to address lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants led to the development of these lower flammability refrigerants. Chapter 11 does not only include these lower flammability refrigerants in Table 1102.3, but it also contains specific A2L and B2L provisions to address the precautions necessary for the proper use of these products. In particular, high-probability systems using A2L refrigerants for human comfort applications are covered by provisions which include refrigerant concentration limits, mechanical ventilation, ignition sources, compressors and pressure vessels, and refrigerant sensors.
In addition, Chapter 11 addresses other minimum requirements for refrigeration systems such as refrigeration machinery rooms (including ventilation), relief valves, and pressure vessels. Apart from refrigerants, the chapter also addresses minimum requirements for systems that use other mediums such as ammonia and brine systems. For ammonia systems, such systems are required to comply with IIAR 2, IIAR 3, IIAR/ANSI 4, IIAR 5, and IIAR 6.
Chapter 12 Hydronics. Chapter 12 regulates hydronic systems that are part of heating, cooling, ventilation, and conditioning systems. Such piping systems include steam, hot water, radiant heating and cooling, chilled water, steam condensate, condenser water, ground source heat pump systems, snow and ice melt systems, ambient temperature loops, and district ambient temperature loops. Provisions within this chapter addressing ground source heat pumps and ambient temperature loops apply to the hydronic portions of the system. Geothermal energy systems, including ground source heat pumps and ambient temperature loops, are regulated by Chapter 17.
CMC § 1002.2.2 High relevance — show source text
1002.2.2 Installation. Tanks, piping, and valves for oil-burning boilers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31.
1002.3 Electric Boilers. Electric boilers shall be listed and
labeled in accordance with UL 834.
1002.4 Solid-Fuel-Fired Boilers. Solid-fuel-fired boilers shall comply with UL 2523 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instruc tions.
1002.5 Dual Purpose Water Heaters. Water heaters utilized for combined space- and water-heating applications shall comply with the standards referenced in Table 1203.2, and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
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BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
1003.0 Detailed Requirements.
1003.1 Safety Requirements. The construction of boilers and pressure vessels and the installation thereof shall be in accordance with minimum requirements for safety from structural and mechanical failure and excessive pressures as established by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
1003.2 Controls. Required electrical, mechanical, safety, and operating controls shall carry the approval of an approved testing agency or be accepted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Electrical controls shall be of such design and construction as to be suitable for installation in the environment
in which they are located.
1003.2.1 Automatic Boilers. Automatic boilers shall
be equipped with controls and limit devices in accordance with ASME CSD-1 or Table 1003.2.1.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to approve solid-fuel-fired boilers that comply with the safety requirements for automatic gas fired boilers or oil fired boilers.
1003.3 Gauges. Steam boilers shall be provided with a pressure gauge and a water level glass. Water boilers shall be provided with a pressure gauge and a temperature gauge. Automatic boilers shall be equipped with the following gauges, as applicable :
(1) Oil temperature
(2) Oil suction pressure
(3) High and low gas pressure
(4) Stack temperature
(5) Windbox pressure
1003.4 Stack Dampers. Stack dampers on boilers fired with oil or solid fuel shall not close off more than 80 percent of the stack area. Operative dampers shall not be placed within a stack, flue, or vent of a gas-fired boiler.
Exception: Automatic boilers with prepurge, automatic draft control, and interlock.
1003.5 Welding. Welding on pressure vessels shall be done by certified welders in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
1004.0 Expansion Tanks.
1004.1 General. An expansion tank shall be installed in a hot-water-heating system as a means for controlling increased pressure caused by thermal expansion. Expansion tanks shall be of the closed or open type and securely fastened to or supported by the structure. Tanks shall be rated for the pressure of the system. Supports shall be capable of carrying twice the weight of the tank filled with water without placing a strain on connecting piping.
Hot-water-heating systems incorporating hot water tanks or fluid relief columns shall be installed to prevent freezing under normal operating conditions.
CMC § 1010.2 High relevance — show source text
1010.2 Power Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
1010.3 Steam-Heating Boilers, Hot Water Boilers, and Power Boilers. . 220
1010.4 Package Boilers, Steam-Heating Boilers, and Hot-Water-Heating Boilers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
1011.0 Boilers, Stokers, and Steam
Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
xxxviii
1011.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
1012.0 Operating Adjustments and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
1012.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
1013.0 Inspections and Tests. . . . . . . . . . 220
1013.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
1013.2 Operating Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
1013.3 Maintenance Inspection . . . . . . . . 221
1013.4 Power and Miniature Boilers. . . . . 221
1013.5 Steam-Heating and WaterHeating Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
1013.6 Automatic Steam-Heating Boilers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
1013.7 Unfired Pressure Vessels . . . . . . . 221
1014.0 Operation and Maintenance of
Boilers and Pressure Vessels. . . . 221
1014.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Table 1003.2.1 Controls and Limit Devices for
Automatic Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
CHAPTER 11 REFRIGERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
1101.0 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1101.1 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1101.2 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Part I Refrigeration Systems . . . . . . . . 227
1102.0 Refrigeration Systems . . . . . . . . . 227
1102.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1102.2 Ammonia Refrigeration Systems . . 227
1102.3 Refrigerants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1103.0 Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1103.1 Classification of Refrigerants . . . . 227
CMC § 1012.0 High relevance — show source text
1012.0 Operating Adjustments and Instructions. 1012.1 General. Hot water boiler installations, upon completion, shall have controls set, adjusted, and tested by the installing contractor. A complete control diagram of a permanent legible type, together with complete boiler operating instructions, shall be furnished by the installer for each installation.
1013.0 Inspections and Tests. 1013.1 General. An installation for which a permit is required shall not be put into service until it has been inspected and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
It shall be the duty of the owner or his authorized representative to notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction that the installation is ready for inspection and test. It also shall be the duty of the owner or his authorized representative to post in a conspicuous position on the installation a notice in substantially the following form: “WARNING! THIS INSTALLATION HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AND APPROVED
BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION AND
SHALL NOT BE COVERED OR CONCEALED UNTIL SO INSPECTED AND APPROVED,” and it shall be unlawful for anyone other than the Authority Having Jurisdiction to remove such notice. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall require such tests as it deems necessary to determine that the installation is in accordance with the provision of this section. Such tests shall be made by the owner or his authorized representative in the presence of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
Exception: On installations designed and supervised by a registered design professional, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to permit inspection and testing by such registered design professional.
Where the owner or his authorized representative requests inspection of a boiler prior to its installation, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make such inspection. 1013.2 Operating Permit. It shall be unlawful to operate a boiler or pressure vessel without first obtaining a valid operating permit to do so from the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Such permit shall be displayed in a conspicuous place adjacent to the boiler or vessel. The operating permit shall not be issued until the equipment has been inspected and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Exception: The operation of steam-heating boilers, low-pressure hot-water-heating boilers, hot water supply boilers, and pressure vessels in residential occupancies of less than six dwelling units and utility occupancies. 1013.3 Maintenance Inspection. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall inspect boilers and pressure vessels operated under a permit in accordance with ASHRAE/ACCA 180 at such intervals as deemed necessary, but not less frequently than in accordance with Section 1013.4 through Section 1013.7.
1013.4 Power and Miniature Boilers. Power boilers and miniature boilers shall be inspected externally annually. Where construction and operating conditions permit, they shall be subject to inspection internally annually. 1013.5 Steam-Heating and Water-Heating Boilers. Steam-heating boilers and hot-water-heating boilers shall be inspected externally annually. Where construction and operating conditions permit, they shall also be subject to inspection internally annually. 1013.6 Automatic Steam-Heating Boilers. Automatic steam-heating boilers shall be inspected externally biennially. Where construction and operating conditions permit, they shall be subject to inspection internally biennially.
CMC § 1007.0 High relevance — show source text
1007.0 Gas-Pressure Regulators.
1007.1 General. An approved gas-pressure regulator shall be installed on gas-fired boilers where the gas supply pressure is exceeding that at which the main burner is designed to operate. A separate approved gas-pressure regulator shall be installed to regulate the gas pressure to the pilot or pilots.
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BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
1008.0 Low-Water Cutoff.
1008.1 General. Hot water boilers and steam boilers shall be installed with a low-water cutoff. A coil-type boiler or a water-tube boiler that requires forced circulation to prevent overheating of the coils or tubes shall be installed with a flowsensing device in the outlet piping in lieu of the low-water cutoff. The low-water cutoff or the flow sensing device shall be installed so as to prevent damage to the boiler and to permit testing of the fuel-supply cutoff without draining the heating system. The low-water cutoff shall shut off the energy source at a water level setpoint that is in accordance with the boiler manufacturer’s instructions.
1009.0 Combustion Regulators – Safety Valves.
1009.1 General. The following requirements shall be retroactive:
(1) Hot-water-heating boilers, other than manually fired, shall be equipped with two temperature combustion regulators in series. Steam-heating boilers, other than manually fired, shall be equipped with a pressure combustion regulator and a low-water cutoff. (See Section 1008.0)
(2) Boilers and pressure vessels shall be provided with the required number, size, and capacity of safety or relief valves to ensure positive relief of overpressure in accordance with nationally recognized standards, as applicable. Valves so employed shall be constructed, sealed, and installed in accordance with nationally recognized standards, as applicable.
1010.0 Clearance for Access.
1010.1 General. Where boilers are installed or replaced, clearance shall be provided to allow access for inspection, maintenance, and repair. Passageways around all sides of boilers shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 18 inches (457 mm). Clearance for repair and cleaning shall be permitted to be provided through a door or access panel into another area, provided the opening is of sufficient size.
Exception: Subject to the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction, boilers shall be permitted to be installed with a side clearance of less than 18 inches (457 mm), provided that the lesser clearance does not inhibit inspection, maintenance, or repair.
1010.2 Power Boilers. Power boilers having a steam-generating capacity in excess of 5000 pounds per hour (lb/h) (0.6299 kg/s) or having a heating surface in excess of 1000 square feet (92.9 m [2] ) or input in excess of 5 000 000 Btu/h (1464 kW) shall have a clearance of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) from the top of the boiler to the ceiling.
1010.3 Steam-Heating Boilers, Hot Water Boilers, and Power Boilers. Steam-heating boilers and hot-water-heating boilers that exceed one of the following limits:
(1) 5 000 000 Btu/h input (1464 kW)
CMC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
2.1_||||||||||X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||||
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: 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.
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CHAPTER 10
BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
1001.0 General.
1001.1 Applicability. The requirements of this chapter shall apply to the construction, installation, operation, repair, and alteration of boilers and pressure vessels. Low-pressure boilers shall comply with this chapter and Section 904.0.
Exceptions:
(1) Listed and approved potable water heaters with a nominal capacity not exceeding 120 gallons (454 L) and having a heat input not exceeding 200 000 British thermal units per hour (Btu/h) (58.6 kW) used for hot water supply at a pressure not exceeding 160 pounds-force per square inch (psi) (1103 kPa) and at temperatures not exceeding 210°F (99°C), in accordance with the plumbing code.
(2) Pressure vessels used for unheated water supply, including those containing air that serves as a cushion and is compressed by the introduction of water and tanks connected to sprinkler systems.
(3) Portable unfired pressure vessels and Interstate Commerce Commission (I.C.C.) containers.
(4) Containers for liquefied petroleum gases, bulk oxygen, and medical gas that are regulated by the fire code.
(5) Unfired pressure vessels in business, factory, hazardous, mercantile, residential, storage, and utility occupancies having a volume not exceeding 5 cubic feet (0.14 m [3] ) and operating at pressures not exceeding 250 psi (1724 kPa).
(6) Pressure vessels used in refrigeration systems shall comply with Chapter 11.
(7) Pressure tanks used in conjunction with coaxial cables, telephone cables, power cables, and other similar humidity control systems.
(8) A boiler or pressure vessel subject to regular inspection by federal inspectors or licensed by federal authorities.
(9) Pressure vessels used in specific appliances shall comply with Chapter 9.
1001.2 Boiler Rooms and Enclosures. Boiler rooms and enclosures shall comply with the California Building Code .
1001.2.1 [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4 & 5] In no case shall boiler room volume or clearances be reduced below those required by the conditions of the boiler listing. The boiler and the boiler room ventilation system, including fans, con- trols, and damper motors shall be on essential power when required by Section 321.0. The ventilation system shall either operate continuously, or, if interlocked with the boiler(s) it shall not interfere with the proper boiler oper- ation. Listed boilers shall be installed with clearances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
CMC § 1014.0 High relevance — show source text
Where subject to corrosion and construction permits, they shall be subject to inspection internally biennially.
Inspection of boilers and pressure vessels covered by insurance shall be permitted to be made by employees of the insuring company holding commissions from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, subject to approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Approved insuring company inspectors shall make reports on prescribed forms on inspections authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The reports shall be filed in the Authority Having Jurisdiction office. Company inspectors shall notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction of suspension of insurance because of dangerous conditions, new insurance in effect, and discontinuance of insurance
coverage.
1014.0 Operation and Maintenance of Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
1014.1 General. Boilers and pressure vessels shall be operated and maintained in accordance with requirements for pro
tection of the public established by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall notify the owner or authorized representative of defects or deficiencies and properly corrected. Where such corrections are not made, or where the operation of the boiler or pressure vessel is deemed unsafe by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, they shall have the authority to revoke the permit to operate the boiler or pressure vessel. Where the operation of a boiler or pressure vessel is deemed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to constitute an immediate danger, the pressure on such boiler or pressure vessel shall be permitted to be relieved at the owner’s cost and the boiler or pressure vessel shall not thereafter be operated without the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
CONTROL AND LIMIT DEVICE SYSTEM DESIGN11 Col2 Col3 Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Per NFPA 85 Per NFPA 85 APPROVED
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PRESSURE
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Code,CMC § 1001.3 High relevance — show source text
1001.3 Air for Combustion and Ventilation. Air for combustion and ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 7.
1001.4 Drainage. For heating or hot-water-supply boiler applications, the boiler room shall be equipped with a floor drain or other approved means for disposing of the accumulation of liquid wastes incident to cleaning, recharging, and routine maintenance. No steam pipe shall be directly connected to a part of a plumbing or drainage system, nor shall a water having a temperature above 140°F (60°C) be discharged under pressure directly into a part of a drainage system. Pipes from boilers shall discharge by means of indirect waste piping as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or the boiler manufacturer’s instructions.
1001.5 Mounting. Equipment shall be set or mounted on a level base capable of supporting and distributing the weight contained thereon. Boilers, tanks, and equipment shall be securely anchored to the structure. Equipment requiring vibration isolation shall be installed as designed by a registered design professional and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
1001.5.1 Floors. Boilers shall be mounted on floors of noncombustible construction unless listed for mounting on combustible flooring. 1001.6 Chimneys or Vents. Boilers shall be connected to a chimney or vent, as provided for other fuel-burning equipment in Chapter 8 of this code.
1002.0 Standards.
1002.1 General. Pressure vessels shall be constructed and designed in accordance with the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII.1. Boilers shall be constructed, designed, and installed in accordance with one of the following: (1) ASME BPVC Section I (2) ASME BPVC Section IV (3) NFPA 85 1002.2 Oil-Burning Boilers. Oil-burning boilers shall comply with Section 1002.2.1 and Section 1002.2.2. 1002.2.1 Listing & Labeling. Oil-burning boilers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 726.
1002.2.2 Installation. Tanks, piping, and valves for oil-burning boilers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31.
1002.3 Electric Boilers. Electric boilers shall be listed and
labeled in accordance with UL 834.
1002.4 Solid-Fuel-Fired Boilers. Solid-fuel-fired boilers shall comply with UL 2523 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instruc tions.
1002.5 Dual Purpose Water Heaters. Water heaters utilized for combined space- and water-heating applications shall comply with the standards referenced in Table 1203.2, and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
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1003.0 Detailed Requirements.
1003.1 Safety Requirements. The construction of boilers and pressure vessels and the installation thereof shall be in accordance with minimum requirements for safety from structural and mechanical failure and excessive pressures as established by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
CMC § 1013.2 High relevance — show source text
Where the owner or his authorized representative requests inspection of a boiler prior to its installation, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall make such inspection. 1013.2 Operating Permit. It shall be unlawful to operate a boiler or pressure vessel without first obtaining a valid operating permit to do so from the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Such permit shall be displayed in a conspicuous place adjacent to the boiler or vessel. The operating permit shall not be issued until the equipment has been inspected and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Exception: The operation of steam-heating boilers, low-pressure hot-water-heating boilers, hot water supply boilers, and pressure vessels in residential occupancies of less than six dwelling units and utility occupancies. 1013.3 Maintenance Inspection. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall inspect boilers and pressure vessels operated under a permit in accordance with ASHRAE/ACCA 180 at such intervals as deemed necessary, but not less frequently than in accordance with Section 1013.4 through Section 1013.7.
1013.4 Power and Miniature Boilers. Power boilers and miniature boilers shall be inspected externally annually. Where construction and operating conditions permit, they shall be subject to inspection internally annually. 1013.5 Steam-Heating and Water-Heating Boilers. Steam-heating boilers and hot-water-heating boilers shall be inspected externally annually. Where construction and operating conditions permit, they shall also be subject to inspection internally annually. 1013.6 Automatic Steam-Heating Boilers. Automatic steam-heating boilers shall be inspected externally biennially. Where construction and operating conditions permit, they shall be subject to inspection internally biennially. 1013.7 Unfired Pressure Vessels. Unfired pressure vessels shall be inspected externally biennially. Where subject to corrosion and construction permits, they shall be subject to inspection internally biennially.
Inspection of boilers and pressure vessels covered by insurance shall be permitted to be made by employees of the insuring company holding commissions from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, subject to approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Approved insuring company inspectors shall make reports on prescribed forms on inspections authorized by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The reports shall be filed in the Authority Having Jurisdiction office. Company inspectors shall notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction of suspension of insurance because of dangerous conditions, new insurance in effect, and discontinuance of insurance
coverage.
1014.0 Operation and Maintenance of Boilers and Pressure Vessels.
1014.1 General. Boilers and pressure vessels shall be operated and maintained in accordance with requirements for pro
tection of the public established by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall notify the owner or authorized representative of defects or deficiencies and properly corrected. Where such corrections are not made, or where the operation of the boiler or pressure vessel is deemed unsafe by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, they shall have the authority to revoke the permit to operate the boiler or pressure vessel. Where the operation of a boiler or pressure vessel is deemed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to constitute an immediate danger, the pressure on such boiler or pressure vessel shall be permitted to be relieved at the owner’s cost and the boiler or pressure vessel shall not thereafter be operated without the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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CMC § 304.8 Medium relevance — show source text
For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound-force per square inch = 6.8947 kPa
1112.12.5 Simultaneous Operation. When outlets of two or more relief devices or fusible plugs, which are
TABLE 1112.12.4
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE AT NOMINAL INSTALLATION ELEVATION ( Pa )
[ASHRAE 15: TABLE 9-2]
For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound-force per square inch = 6.8947 kPa
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REFRIGERATION
1113.2 Type of Protection. Pressure vessels with an internal gross volume of 3 cubic feet (0.1 m [3] ) or less shall use one or more pressure relief devices or a fusible plug. Pressure vessels of more than 3 cubic feet (0.1 m [3] ) but less than 10 cubic feet (0.28 m [3] ) internal gross volume shall use one or more pressure relief devices. Fusible plugs shall not be used.
[ASHRAE 15:9.7.2.1, 9.7.2.2]
1113.3 Discharging into Lowside of System. For pressure-relief valves discharging into the lowside of the system, a single relief valve (not rupture member) of the required relieving capacity shall not be used on vessels of 10 cubic feet (0.28 m [3] ) or more internal gross volume except under the conditions permitted in Section 1112.11.3. [ASHRAE 15:9.7.3]
1113.4 Parallel Pressure-Relief Devices. Two or more
pressure-relief devices in parallel to obtain the required capacity shall be considered as one pressure-relief device. The discharge capacity shall be the sum of the capacities required for each pressure vessel being protected.
1113.5 Discharge Capacity. The minimum required discharge capacity of the pressure-relief device or fusible plug for a pressure vessel shall be determined in accordance with ASHRAE 15.
1113.6 Three-Way Valve. Pressure vessels of 10 cubic feet (0.28 m [3] ) or more internal gross volume shall use one or more rupture member(s) or dual pressure-relief valves where discharging to the atmosphere. Dual pressure-relief valves shall be installed with a three-way valve to allow testing or repair. Where dual relief valves are used, the valve shall comply with Section 1113.5.
Exception: A single relief valve shall be permitted on pressure vessels of 10 cubic feet (0.28 m [3] ) or more internal gross volume where in accordance with the following conditions:
(1) The relief valves are located on the lowside of the sys tem.
(2) The vessel is provided with shutoff valves designed to allow pumpdown of the refrigerant charge of the pressure vessel.
(3) Other pressure vessels in the system are separately protected in accordance with Section 1113.1. [ASHRAE 15:9.7.2.3]
1114.0 Special Discharge Requirements.
CMC § 1013.7 Medium relevance — show source text
1013.7 Unfired Pressure Vessels . . . . . . . 221
1014.0 Operation and Maintenance of
Boilers and Pressure Vessels. . . . 221
1014.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Table 1003.2.1 Controls and Limit Devices for
Automatic Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
CHAPTER 11 REFRIGERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
1101.0 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1101.1 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1101.2 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Part I Refrigeration Systems . . . . . . . . 227
1102.0 Refrigeration Systems . . . . . . . . . 227
1102.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1102.2 Ammonia Refrigeration Systems . . 227
1102.3 Refrigerants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1103.0 Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1103.1 Classification of Refrigerants . . . . 227
Table 1103.1.1 Refrigerant Safety Group Classifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1103.2 Classification of Refrigeration Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1103.3 Higher Flammability Refrigerants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1104.0 Requirements for Refrigerant and Refrigeration System Use . . . 227
1104.1 System Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1104.2 Refrigerant Concentration Limit (RCL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Table 1104.1 Permissible Refrigeration Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
1104.3 Institutional Occupancies . . . . . . . 229
1104.4 Industrial Occupancies and Refrigerated Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . 229
1104.5 Flammable Refrigerants . . . . . . . . 229
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1104.6 Group A2L Refrigerants for Human Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
110.4.7 Applications for Human Comfort and for Nonindustrial
Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
1104.8 Refrigerant Type and Purity . . . . . 230
1104.9 Changing Refrigerants . . . . . . . . . 231
Frequently asked questions
Do potable water heaters fall under Chapter 10?
No. Listed potable water heaters within the scope of the plumbing code are specifically excluded from Chapter 10 per the §1001.1 exceptions.
Is an operating permit required to run a boiler or pressure vessel?
Yes. The CMC requires a valid operating permit issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction before operating boilers or pressure vessels, except for limited residential and utility exceptions noted in §1013.2.
What design standards apply to pressure vessels and boilers?
Pressure vessels must comply with ASME BPVC Section VIII; boilers must comply with ASME BPVC Section I or IV or NFPA 85, as referenced in §1002.1.
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