CMC · California Mechanical Code

Boilers, Reliefs & Expansion Tanks

Chapter 10 of the CMC establishes boiler/pressure‑vessel safety, overpressure protection, expansion‑tank sizing/installation (§1004.0) and relief‑valve/discharge requirements (§1005.0), coordinated with Plumbing Code §§608.3–608.5.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This section of the California Mechanical Code (CMC) groups the rules that govern boilers and pressure vessels, their required safety and control devices, and the sizing/installation of expansion tanks used with hot‑water systems. Chapter 10 (Boilers and Pressure Vessels) sets construction, installation, inspection and overpressure‑protection requirements, including core safety rules at §1003.1 and appliance controls at §1003.2 .

Thermal expansion and tank requirements are handled in the expansion‑tank provisions at §1004.0 (open and closed types, support and minimum capacities) and the tables/equations used to size them (§1004.4) . Relief‑valve and discharge piping requirements (no isolation, full‑size discharge, splash/shielding and hazardous‑location routing) are in §1005.0 and related discharge rules . For hydronic and potable‑water interactions (when expansion tanks or relief valves are used on domestic water systems) see the companion plumbing provisions at §608.3–608.5 of the California Plumbing Code .

In this section

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CMC § 1102.3 Medium 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 § 1003.2.1. Medium relevance — show source text

    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.

    1004.2 Open-Type Expansion Tanks. Open type expansion tanks shall be located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above the highest point of the system. Such tanks shall be sized based on the capacity of the system. An overflow with a diameter of not less than one-half the size of the supply or not less than 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter shall be installed at the top of the tank. The overflow shall discharge through an air gap into the drainage system.

    1004.3 Closed-Type Systems. Closed-type systems shall have an airtight tank or other approved air cushion that will be consistent with the volume and capacity of the system, and shall be designed for a hydrostatic test pressure of two and one-half times the allowable working pressure of the system. Expansion tanks for systems designed to operate at more than 30 pounds-force per square inch (psi) (207 kPa) shall comply with ASME BPVC Section VIII.1. Provisions shall be made

    for draining the tank without emptying the system.

    1004.4 Minimum Capacity of Closed-Type Tank. The minimum capacity for a gravity-type hot water system expansion tank shall be in accordance with Table 1004.4(1). The minimum capacity for a forced-type hot water system expansion tank shall be in accordance with Table 1004.4(2) or Equation 1004.4(1). The minimum capacity for a diaphragmtype hot water system expansion tank shall be in accordance with Table 1004.4(2) or Equation 1004.4(2).

    [Equation 1004.4(1)]

    Vt (forced-type) = [(0.00041] [t] [ - 0.0466) ] [V][s]

    (
  • CMC § 1002.2.2 Medium 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 § 1002.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    1002.3 Electric Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.4 Solid-Fuel-Fired Boilers . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.5 Dual Purpose Water Heaters . . . . 217

    1003.0 Detailed Requirements . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.1 Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.2 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.3 Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.4 Stack Dampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.5 Welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.0 Expansion Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.2 Open-Type Expansion Tanks . . . . 218

    1004.3 Closed-Type Systems . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.4 Minimum Capacity of ClosedType Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    Table 1004.4(1) Expansion Tank Capacities for Gravity Hot Water Systems . . . . . 219

    Table 1004.4(2) Expansion Tank Capacities for Forced Hot Water Systems . . . . . 219

    1005.0 Safety or Relief Valve Discharge . . 219

    1005.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1005.2 Discharge Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1005.3 Splash Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1005.4 Hazardous Discharge . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1005.5 Vacuum Relief Valve . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1006.0 Shutoff Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1006.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1007.0 Gas-Pressure Regulators . . . . . . . 219

    1007.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

    1008.0 Low-Water Cutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

    1008.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

    1009.0 Combustion Regulators Safety Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

    1009.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

    1010.0 Clearance for Access . . . . . . . . . . 220

    1010.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

  • CMC § 607.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    installation instructions. Such vent shall be screened with a cor rosion-resistant material of not less than number 24 mesh.

    607.5 Overflow. Tanks shall have not less than a 16 square inch (0.01 m [2] ) overflow that is screened with a corrosionresistant material of not less than number 24 mesh.

    607.6 Valves. Pressurized tanks shall be provided with a listed pressure-relief valve installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The relief valve shall be discharged in accordance with Section 608.5. Where a potable water supply tank is located above the fixtures, appliances, or system components it serves, it shall be equipped with a vacuum relief valve that complies with ANSI Z21.22/CSA 4.4.

    608.0 Water Pressure, Pressure Regulators, Pres- sure Relief Valves, and Vacuum Relief Valves. 608.1 Inadequate Water Pressure. Where the water pressure in the main or other source of supply will not provide a residual water pressure of not less than 15 pounds force per square inch (psi) (103 kPa), after allowing for friction and other pressure losses, a tank and a pump or other means that will provide said 15 psi (103 kPa) pressure shall be installed. Where fixtures, fixture fittings, or both are installed that, require a residual pressure exceeding 15 psi (103 kPa), that minimum residual pressure shall be provided.

    608.2 Excessive Water Pressure. Where static water pressure in the water supply piping exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa), an approved-type pressure regulator preceded by an adequate strainer shall be installed and the static pressure reduced to 80 psi (552 kPa) or less. Pressure regulators for potable water distribution systems shall comply with ASSE 1003 or AWWA C530. Pressure regulator(s) equal to or exceeding 1 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (40 mm) shall not require a strainer. Such regulator(s) shall control the pressure to water outlets in the building unless otherwise approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Each such regulator and strainer shall be accessibly located aboveground or in a vault equipped with a properly sized and sloped boresighted drain to daylight, shall be protected from freezing, and shall have the strainer readily accessible for cleaning without removing the regulator or strainer body or disconnecting the supply piping. Pipe size determinations shall be based on 80 percent of the reduced pressure where using Table 610.4.

    An approved expansion tank shall be installed in the cold water distribution piping downstream of each such regulator to prevent pressure exceeding 80 psi from developing due to thermal expansion. Expansion tanks used in potable water systems intended to supply drinking water shall comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61. The expansion tank shall be properly sized, securely fastened to the structure, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and listing. Systems designed by a licensed plumbing contractor or registered design professionals shall be permitted to use approved pressure relief valves in lieu of expansion tanks provided such relief valves have a maximum pressure relief setting of 100 psi (689 kPa) or less. 608.3 Expansion Tanks, and Combination Tempera- **ture and Pressure-Relief Valves.

  • CMC § 610.4. Medium relevance — show source text

    ** Where static water pressure in the water supply piping exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa), an approved-type pressure regulator preceded by an adequate strainer shall be installed and the static pressure reduced to 80 psi (552 kPa) or less. Pressure regulators for potable water distribution systems shall comply with ASSE 1003 or AWWA C530. Pressure regulator(s) equal to or exceeding 1 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (40 mm) shall not require a strainer. Such regulator(s) shall control the pressure to water outlets in the building unless otherwise approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Each such regulator and strainer shall be accessibly located aboveground or in a vault equipped with a properly sized and sloped boresighted drain to daylight, shall be protected from freezing, and shall have the strainer readily accessible for cleaning without removing the regulator or strainer body or disconnecting the supply piping. Pipe size determinations shall be based on 80 percent of the reduced pressure where using Table 610.4.

    An approved expansion tank shall be installed in the cold water distribution piping downstream of each such regulator to prevent pressure exceeding 80 psi from developing due to thermal expansion. Expansion tanks used in potable water systems intended to supply drinking water shall comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61. The expansion tank shall be properly sized, securely fastened to the structure, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and listing. Systems designed by a licensed plumbing contractor or registered design professionals shall be permitted to use approved pressure relief valves in lieu of expansion tanks provided such relief valves have a maximum pressure relief setting of 100 psi (689 kPa) or less. 608.3 Expansion Tanks, and Combination Tempera- ture and Pressure-Relief Valves. A water system provided with a check valve, backflow preventer, or other normally closed device that prevents dissipation of building pressure back into the water main, independent of the type of water heater used, shall be provided with an approved, listed, and adequately sized expansion tank or other approved device having a similar function to control thermal expansion. Prepressurized water expansion tanks shall comply with IAPMO/ANSI Z1088. Such expansion tank or other approved device shall be installed on the building side of the check valve, backflow preventer, or other device and shall be sized, securely fastened to the structure, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    A water system containing storage water heating equipment shall be provided with an approved, listed, adequately sized combination temperature and pressure-relief valve, except for listed nonstorage instantaneous heaters having an inside diameter of not more than 3 inches (80 mm). Each such approved combination temperature and pressure-relief valve shall be installed on the water-heating device in an approved location based on its listing requirements and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Each such combination temperature and pressure-relief valve shall be provided with a drain in accordance with Section 608.5.

  • CMC § 608.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    The expansion tank shall be properly sized, securely fastened to the structure, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and listing. Systems designed by a licensed plumbing contractor or registered design professionals shall be permitted to use approved pressure relief valves in lieu of expansion tanks provided such relief valves have a maximum pressure relief setting of 100 psi (689 kPa) or less. 608.3 Expansion Tanks, and Combination Tempera- ture and Pressure-Relief Valves. A water system provided with a check valve, backflow preventer, or other normally closed device that prevents dissipation of building pressure back into the water main, independent of the type of water heater used, shall be provided with an approved, listed, and adequately sized expansion tank or other approved device having a similar function to control thermal expansion. Prepressurized water expansion tanks shall comply with IAPMO/ANSI Z1088. Such expansion tank or other approved device shall be installed on the building side of the check valve, backflow preventer, or other device and shall be sized, securely fastened to the structure, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    A water system containing storage water heating equipment shall be provided with an approved, listed, adequately sized combination temperature and pressure-relief valve, except for listed nonstorage instantaneous heaters having an inside diameter of not more than 3 inches (80 mm). Each such approved combination temperature and pressure-relief valve shall be installed on the water-heating device in an approved location based on its listing requirements and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Each such combination temperature and pressure-relief valve shall be provided with a drain in accordance with Section 608.5.

    Exception: An expansion tank shall not be required for an instantaneous non-storage water heater. 608.4 Pressure Relief Valves. Each pressure relief valve shall be an approved automatic type with drain, and each such relief valve shall be set at a pressure of not more than 150 psi (1034 kPa). No shutoff valve shall be installed between the relief valve and the system. 608.5 Discharge Piping. The discharge piping serving a temperature relief valve, pressure relief valve, or combination of both shall have no valves, obstructions, or means of isolation and be provided with the following:

    (1) Not less than the size of the valve outlet and shall discharge full size to the flood level of the area receiving the discharge and pointing down.

    (2) Materials shall be rated at not less than the operating temperature of the system and approved for such use or shall comply with ASME A112.4.1.

    (3) Discharge pipe shall discharge independently by gravity through an air gap into the drainage system or outside of the building with the end of the pipe not exceeding 2 feet

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    WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

    (610 mm) and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the ground and pointing downwards.

    (4) Discharge in such a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage. (5) No part of such discharge pipe shall be trapped or subject to freezing. (6) The terminal end of the pipe shall not be threaded. (7) Discharge from a relief valve into a water heater pan shall be prohibited. (8) The discharge termination point shall be readily observable.

  • CMC § 904.5 Medium relevance — show source text

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    INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES

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    904.5 Temperature or Pressure Limiting Devices. Steam and hot water boilers, respectively, shall be provided with approved automatic limiting devices for shutting down the burner(s) to prevent boiler steam pressure or boiler water temperature from exceeding the maximum allowable working pressure or temperature. Safety limit controls shall not be used as operating controls. [NFPA 54:10.3.5]

    904.6 Low-Water Cutoff. All water boilers and steam boilers shall be provided with an automatic means to shut off the fuel supply to the burner(s) if the boiler water level drops below the lowest safe water line. In lieu of the low-water cutoff, water tube or coil-type boilers that require forced circulation to prevent overheating and failure shall have an approved flow sensing device arranged to shut down the boiler when the flow rate is inadequate to protect the boiler against overheating. [NFPA 54:10.3.6]

    904.7 Steam Safety and Pressure Relief Valves. Steam and hot water boilers shall be equipped, respectively, with listed or approved steam safety or pressure relief valves of appropriate discharge capacity and conforming with ASME requirements. A shutoff valve shall not be placed between the relief valve and the boiler or on discharge pipes between such valves and the atmosphere. [NFPA 54:10.3.7]

    904.7.1 Discharge. Relief valves shall be piped to discharge near the floor. [NFPA 54:10.3.7.1]

    904.7.2 Size. The entire discharged piping shall be at least the same size as the relief valve discharge piping.

    [NFPA 54:10.3.7.2]

    904.7.3 End Connections. Discharge piping shall not contain threaded end connection at its termination point.

    [NFPA 54:10.3.7.3]

    904.8 Refrigeration Coils. The installation of refrigeration coils shall comply with the following requirements:

    (1) A refrigeration coil shall not be installed in conjunction with a forced air furnace where circulation of cooled air is provided by the furnace blower, unless the blower has

    sufficient capacity to overcome the external static pressure resistance imposed by the duct system and refrigeration coil at the air flow rate for heating or cooling, whichever is greater.

    (2) Furnaces shall not be located upstream from refrigeration coils, unless the refrigeration coil is designed or equipped so as not to develop excessive temperature or

    pressure.

    (3) Refrigeration coils shall be installed in parallel with or on the downstream side of central furnaces to avoid condensation in the heating element, unless the furnace has been specifically listed for downstream installation. With a parallel flow arrangement, the dampers or other means used to control flow of air shall be sufficiently tight to prevent any circulation of cooled air through the furnace.

    (4) Means shall be provided for disposal of condensate and to prevent dripping of condensate on the heating element.

    [NFPA 54:10.3.9]

    904.9 Cooling Units Used with Heating Boilers. Boilers, where used in conjunction with refrigeration systems, shall be installed so that the chilled medium is piped in parallel with the heating boiler with appropriate valves to prevent the chilled medium from entering the heating boiler.

  • CMC § 3.785 Medium relevance — show source text
    INSTALLED EQUIVALENT
    DIRECT RADIATION2
    (square feet)
    TANK CAPACITY
    (gallons)

    Up to 350
    18

    Up to 450
    21

    Up to 650
    24


    Up to 900
    30


    Up to 1100
    35


    Up to 1400
    40


    Up to 1600
    2 to 30


    Up to 1800
    2 to 30

    Up to 2000
    2 to 35

    Up to 2400
    2 to 40

    For SI units: 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m [2]

    Notes: 1 Based on a two-pipe system with an average operating water temperature of 170°F (77°C), using cast-iron column radiation with a heat emission rate of 150 British thermal units per square foot hour [Btu/(ft [2] - h)] (473 W/m [2] ) equivalent direct radiation. 2 For systems that exceed 2400 square feet (222.9 m 2 ) of installed equivalent direct water radiation, the required capacity of the cushion tank shall be increased on the basis of 1 gallon (4 L) tank capacity per 33 square feet (3.1 m [2] ) of additional equivalent direct radiation.

    TABLE 1004.4(2) EXPANSION TANK CAPACITIES FOR FORCED HOT WATER SYSTEMS [1]

    SYSTEM VOLUME2
    (gallons)
    TANK CAPACITY
    DIAPHRAGM TYPE
    (gallons)
    TANK CAPACITY NON-
    DIAPHRAGM TYPE
    (gallons)


    100
    9 15


    200
    17 30


    300
    25 45

    400
    33 60

    500
    42 75

    1000
    83 150

    2000
    165 300

    For SI units: 1 gallon = 3.785 L

    Notes: 1 Based on an average operating water temperature of 195°F (91°C), a fill pressure of 12 psig (83 kPa), and an operating pressure of not more than 30 psig (207 kPa). 2 Includes volume of water in boiler, radiation, and piping, not including expansion tank.

    1005.0 Safety or Relief Valve Discharge.

    1005.1 General. Pressurized vessels or boilers shall be provided with overpressure protection by means of a listed pressure relief valve installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s

    installation instructions.

    1005.2 Discharge Piping. The discharge piping serving a temperature relief valve, pressure relief valve, or combination of both shall have no valves, obstructions, or means of isolation and provided with the following:

    (1) Not less than the size of the valve outlet and shall discharge full size to the flood level of the area receiving the discharge and pointing down.

    (2) Materials shall be rated at not less than the operating temperature of the system and approved for such use or shall comply with ASME A112.4.1.

  • 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 § 938.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    938.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

    939.0 Sauna Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

    939.1 Electric Sauna Heaters. . . . . . . . . 214

    CHAPTER 10 BOILERS AND

    PRESSURE VESSELS . . . . . . . . 215

    1001.0 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1001.1 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1001.2 Boiler Rooms and Enclosures . . . 217

    1001.3 Air for Combustion

    and Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1001.4 Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1001.5 Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    xxxvii

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    1001.6 Chimneys or Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.0 Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.2 Oil-Burning Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.3 Electric Boilers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.4 Solid-Fuel-Fired Boilers . . . . . . . . 217

    1002.5 Dual Purpose Water Heaters . . . . 217

    1003.0 Detailed Requirements . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.1 Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.2 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.3 Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.4 Stack Dampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1003.5 Welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.0 Expansion Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.2 Open-Type Expansion Tanks . . . . 218

    1004.3 Closed-Type Systems . . . . . . . . . 218

    1004.4 Minimum Capacity of ClosedType Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

    Table 1004.4(1) Expansion Tank Capacities for Gravity Hot Water Systems . . . . . 219

    Table 1004.4(2) Expansion Tank Capacities for Forced Hot Water Systems . . . . . 219

  • CMC § 1205.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    Note: [HCD 1 & HCD 2] PEX-AL-PEX is not adopted in the California Plumbing Code for use in potable water supply and distribution systems. (2) Copper tubing shall be tested at not less than 80 psi (552 kPa). 1205.3 Flushing. Heating and cooling sources, system piping and tubing shall be flushed after installation with water or a cleaning solution. Cleaning and flushing of the heating and cooling sources shall comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. The cleaning solution shall be compatible with all system components and shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

    1206.0 Pressure and Safety Devices. 1206.1 General. Each closed hydronic system shall be protected against pressures exceeding design limitations with not less than one pressure relief valve. Each closed section of the system containing a heat source shall have a relief valve located so that the heat source is not capable of being isolated from a relief device. Pressure relief valves shall be installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    1206.2 Discharge Piping. The discharge piping serving a temperature relief valve, pressure relief valve, or combination of both shall have no valves, obstructions, or means of isolation and be provided with the following: (1) Not less than the size of the valve outlet and shall discharge full size to the flood level of the area receiving the discharge and pointing down. (2) Materials shall be rated at not less than the operating temperature of the system and approved for such use or shall comply with ASME A112.4.1. (3) Discharge pipe shall discharge independently by gravity through an air gap into the drainage system or outside of the building with the end of the pipe not exceeding 2 feet (610 mm) and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the ground and pointing downwards. (4) Discharge in such a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage. (5) No part of such discharge pipe shall be trapped or subject to freezing. (6) The terminal end of the pipe shall not be threaded. (7) Discharge from a relief valve into a water heater pan shall be prohibited.

    (8) The discharge termination point shall be readily visible.

    1207.0 Heating Appliances and Equipment. 1207.1 General. Heating appliances, equipment, safety and operational controls shall be listed for its intended use in a hydronic heating system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    1207.2 Boilers. Boilers and their control systems shall comply with Section 1002.0. 1207.2.1 Condensing Boilers. A condensing boiler, in which the heat exchanger and venting system are designed to operate with condensing flue gases, shall be permitted to be connected directly to the panel heating system without a protective mixing device. 1207.2.2 Noncondensing Boilers. Where the heat exchanger and venting system are not designed to operate with condensed flue gases, the boiler shall be permitted to connect directly to the panel heating system where protected from flue gas condensation. The operating temperature of the boiler shall be more than the fluid temperature in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The minimum return-water temperature to the heat source shall comply with Section 1201.5.

Frequently asked questions

When does the CMC require an expansion tank versus a pressure‑relief valve?

The CMC requires expansion tanks for hot‑water heating systems (see §1004.1) and the Plumbing Code requires an approved expansion tank or equivalent device where a check/backflow device prevents pressure dissipation; in some potable‑water cases an approved pressure‑relief valve (set ≤100 psi) may be used in lieu of a tank per §608.3–608.4 of the Plumbing Code .

What are the basic rules for relief‑valve discharge piping?

Relief valves must discharge without isolation, be at least the valve outlet size, discharge to a visible, safe location by gravity (with specified heights/air gap), and not be trapped or threaded at the end; see §1005.1–§1005.2 and the discharge requirements in the Plumbing Code §608.5 .

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