CMC · California Mechanical Code
Cooking appliance listings — commercial electric ranges, wood-fired ovens, oil-burning ranges
For homeowners: the CMC requires commercial electric ranges, wood‑fired ovens, and oil ranges to carry specific UL listings and to be installed exactly as the manufacturer directs; ventilation, clearances and fire systems are covered in other CMC sections.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The California Mechanical Code requires that certain commercial cooking appliances be listed to a specific product standard and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Specifically, commercial electric ranges must comply with UL 197 (§ 920.1), commercial wood‑fired baking ovens (refractory type) with UL 2162 (§ 920.2), and oil‑burning ranges with UL 896 (§ 920.3) — and each must be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The single most important rule: if the appliance type is covered by § 920.1–920.3, it must carry the required UL listing and be installed exactly as the listing/manufacturer say.
Requirements in detail
Scope and controlling sections
- § 920.0 is the heading for the group of requirements titled “Cooking Appliance Listings.” The operative rules for the three appliance types are in § 920.1, § 920.2, and § 920.3 respectively.
Key obligations (plain language)
- For a commercial electric range, the owner/installer must ensure the appliance is listed to UL 197 and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. § 920.1.
- For a commercial wood‑fired baking oven of refractory type, it must be listed to UL 2162 and installed per the manufacturer. § 920.2.
- For oil‑burning ranges, they must be listed to UL 896 and installed per the manufacturer. § 920.3.
Decision-relevant summary table
| Equipment | Required listing / standard | Installation requirement | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial electric range | UL 197 | Installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions | § 920.1 |
| Commercial wood‑fired baking oven (refractory type) | UL 2162 | Installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions | § 920.2 |
| Oil‑burning range | UL 896 | Installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions | § 920.3 |
| What § 920 covers (and does not) | Listing + manufacturer instructions only | Does not set hood airflow, clearances, or suppression specifics — those are in other sections | § 920.0 – § 920.3 |
Notes:
- The text of § 920.1–§ 920.3 is brief: they mandate the listing standard and refer installation detail to the manufacturer’s instructions. The CMC text in those sections does not itself spell out clearance distances, ventilation rates, grease‑hood sizing, or fire‑suppression system requirements.
- Where ventilation, exhaust, hood airflow, fire protection, or clearances are required, those are established elsewhere in the CMC (for example, hood airflow tables and exhaust requirements are in the exhaust systems chapter and tables such as Table 508.5.1.4/508.5.1.5). See Related Provisions below for direct cross‑references.
Exceptions & special cases
- There are no carve‑outs inside § 920.1–§ 920.3 themselves — the requirement is straightforward: meet the listed standard and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Special or ancillary rules that affect these appliances (ventilation, built‑in clearance, fire extinguishing, solid‑fuel specifics) are handled in other CMC chapters and referenced standards (for example, built‑in vertical clearance rules appear in household cooking sections and hood/ventilation sizing is in Chapter 5 / Table 508.5.1.x). If you need to determine hood sizing, clearances to cabinets, or fire protection for solid‑fuel ovens, consult the relevant sections and NFPA 96 references in the CMC.
If a device is a hybrid or has additional features (e.g., a refractory wood oven with auxiliary gas or electric burners), check the appliance’s listing and nameplate and follow any installation restrictions imposed by the listing or manufacturer. The CMC repeatedly directs that installation be in accordance with listings and manufacturer instructions.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the UL listing is optional. Mistake: installing a commercial electric or oil range that is not listed to the standard called out in § 920.1–§ 920.3. The code requires the specified listing.
- Following generic “typical” clearances instead of the specific manufacturer’s installation instructions. The CMC requires installation per manufacturer’s instructions — those instructions often contain clearance, ventilation connection, and combustion‑air details that must be followed.
- Treating § 920 as covering ventilation or suppression. § 920 only mandates listing and following manufacturer instructions; ventilation rates and hood requirements come from other sections (e.g., hood airflow tables in Section 508.5).
- Overlooking combined‑appliance conditions. Example: mounting a microwave over a listed cooking appliance is allowed only according to the upper appliance’s listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions — do not assume stacking is always permitted. (See related household built‑in provisions.)
Worked example — restaurant installs a new electric range
Scenario: A restaurant owner plans to install a new floor‑mounted commercial electric range.
Verify listing: confirm the appliance nameplate or documentation shows compliance with UL 197. If it does not, the appliance does not meet the requirement of § 920.1 and must not be installed as a commercial electric range under that section.
Follow manufacturer instructions: obtain the manufacturer’s installation manual and follow every step the manual requires (clearances, anchorage, electrical connection, ventilation interface, and any special shielding). The CMC requires installation per the manufacturer’s instructions. § 920.1.
Hood/ventilation sizing: § 920 does not set the hood airflow. If the range is a medium‑duty hot‑top or produces grease‑laden vapors, size the hood per the hood/ventilation chapter — for example, Table 508.5.1.4 (medium‑duty appliances) shows typical hood airflow rates such as 300 cfm per linear foot for certain hood types; use the hood table and manufacturer’s hood listing to select airflow. (This ventilation requirement is separate from § 920 and found in the exhaust systems chapter.)
Fire protection: if the appliance or its hood requires a fire‑extinguishing system, install it per the applicable fire‑suppression section and NFPA 96 references in the CMC. Section § 920 does not itself contain the fire system details.
Outcome: The restaurant can put the range into service only after verifying the UL 197 listing and completing the installation exactly as the manufacturer’s instructions require and after verifying hood/ventilation and suppression requirements from the applicable CMC chapters.
Related provisions
- § 919.6 — Level Installation (cooking appliances shall be installed level). Useful when installing any cooking appliance.
- § 919.5.2 — Vertical clearances for built‑in household cooking appliances (30 in / 24 in with protection) — applies to built‑in locations and illustrates how clearances are handled elsewhere in the code.
- Chapter 5 / Section 508.5 and Table 508.5.1.4 / 508.5.1.5 — Hood airflow sizing for medium‑ and light‑duty cooking appliances (examples: 300 cfm/ft, 250 cfm/ft, 500 cfm/ft depending on hood type). These are the ventilation rules you should consult after meeting the listing/installation rule in § 920.
- § 921.0 – § 921.3 — Open‑top broiler units (listings and ventilation) — related cooking appliance listings and ventilation topics.
- NFPA 96 references appearing in the CMC — applies to solid‑fuel appliances, fire extinguishing, and fixed‑water systems for larger solid‑fuel fireboxes. The CMC references NFPA 96 where additional fire‑protection rules apply.
If you want, I can:
- Pull the full manufacturer‑installation checklist items to watch for (clearances, combustion air, anchorage, electrical connections) and map them to the specific CMC sections where those topics are enforced; or
- Review a specific appliance make/model (you provide the nameplate/listing info) and tell you whether it meets the § 920 listing requirement.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CMC § 6.4 High relevance — show source text
(1) The underside of the combustible material or metal cabinet above the cooking top is protected with not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) insulating millboard covered with sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick.
(2) A metal ventilating hood of sheet metal not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick is installed above the cooking top with a clearance of not less
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than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) between the hood and the underside of the combustible material or metal
cabinet, and the hood not less than the width of the appliance and is centered over the appliance.
(3) A listed cooking appliance or microwave oven installed over a listed cooking appliance shall be in accordance with the terms of the upper appliance’s listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Microwave ovens shall comply with UL 923.
919.6 Level Installation. Cooking appliances shall be installed so that the cooking top, broiler pan, or oven racks are level. [NFPA 54-2018:10.14.3]
920.0 Cooking Appliance Listings.
920.1 Commercial Electric Ranges. Commercial electric ranges shall comply with UL 197 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
920.2 Commercial Wood-Fired Baking Ovens. Commercial wood-fired baking ovens (refractory type) shall comply with UL 2162 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
920.3 Oil-Burning Ranges. Oil-burning ranges shall comply with UL 896 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
921.0 Open-Top Broiler Units.
921.1 Application. Open-top broiler units shall be listed in accordance with ANSI Z83.11/CSA 1.8 or ANSI/CSA
Z21.1/CSA 1.1 and installed in accordance with the manu facturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:10.17.1]
921.2 Protection Above Domestic Units. Domestic opentop broiler units shall be provided with a metal ventilating hood not less than 0.0122 of an inch (0.3099 mm) thick with a clearance of not less than [1] ⁄ 4 of an inch (6.4 mm) between the hood and the underside of combustible material or metal cabinets. A
clearance of at least 24 inches (610 mm) shall be maintained between the cooking top and the combustible material or metal cabinet, and the hood shall be at least as wide as the open-top broiler unit and centered over the unit. Domestic open-top broiler units incorporating an integral exhaust system and listed for use without a ventilating hood shall not be required to be provided with a ventilating hood if installed in accordance with Section 919.4.2(1). [NFPA 54:10.17.2]
921.3 Commercial Units. Commercial open-top broiler units shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Chapter 5, Part II. {NFPA 54:10.17.3}
922.0 Outdoor Cooking Appliances.
CMC § 919.0 High relevance — show source text
919.0 Household Cooking Appliances. . . 209
919.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
919.2 Electric Household Cooking Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
919.3 Gas-Fired Household Cooking Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
919.4 Floor-Mounted Units . . . . . . . . . . . 210
919.5 Built-In Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
919.6 Level Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
920.0 Cooking Appliance Listings . . . . . 210
920.1 Commercial Electric Ranges . . . . 210
920.2 Commercial Wood-Fired
Baking Ovens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
920.3 Oil-Burning Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . 210
921.0 Open-Top Broiler Units. . . . . . . . . 210
921.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
921.2 Protection Above Domestic Units. . 210
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
921.3 Commercial Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
922.0 Outdoor Cooking Appliances . . . . 210
922.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
923.0 Illuminating Appliances. . . . . . . . . 211
923.1 Clearances for Listed Appliances. . 211
923.2 Clearances for Unlisted
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Table 923.2.1 Clearances for Unlisted Outdoor
Open-Flame Illuminating Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
923.3 Mounting on Buildings . . . . . . . . . 211
923.4 Mounting on Posts . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
923.5 Appliance Pressure Regulators . . . 211
924.0 Incinerators and Crematories . . . . 211
924.1 Field Constructed Commercial Industrial Incinerators . . . . . . . . . . 211
924.2 Factory-Built Commercial Crematories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
924.3 Residential Incinerators . . . . . . . . 211
925.0 Infrared Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
925.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
925.2 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
925.3 Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
925.4 Combustion and Ventilation Air . . . 212
925.5 Installation in Commercial
CMC § 916.7 High relevance — show source text
Garages and Aircraft Hangars . . . 208
916.7 Oil-Fired Unit Heaters. . . . . . . . . . 208
917.0 Food Service Appliance, FloorMounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
917.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
917.2 Clearance for Listed Appliances. . . 208
917.3 Mounting on Combustible Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
917.4 Installation on Noncombustible
Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
917.5 Combustible Material
Adjacent to Cooking Top . . . . . . . 209
917.6 Use with Casters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
917.7 Level Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
917.8 Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
918.0 Food Service Appliances, Counter Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . 209
918.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
918.2 Vertical Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
918.3 Clearance for Listed Appliances. . . 209
918.4 Clearance for Unlisted
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
919.0 Household Cooking Appliances. . . 209
919.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
919.2 Electric Household Cooking Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
919.3 Gas-Fired Household Cooking Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
919.4 Floor-Mounted Units . . . . . . . . . . . 210
919.5 Built-In Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
919.6 Level Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
920.0 Cooking Appliance Listings . . . . . 210
920.1 Commercial Electric Ranges . . . . 210
920.2 Commercial Wood-Fired
Baking Ovens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
920.3 Oil-Burning Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . 210
921.0 Open-Top Broiler Units. . . . . . . . . 210
921.1 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
921.2 Protection Above Domestic Units. . 210
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
921.3 Commercial Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
922.0 Outdoor Cooking Appliances . . . . 210
CMC § 4.0 Medium relevance — show source text
EQUIPMENT TYPE SUBCATEGORY OR CONDITION MINIMUM EFFICIENCY TEST PROCEDURE Air cooled
(dehumidification mode)– 4.0_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Air source heat pumps
(dehumidification mode)– 4.0_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Cooling tower condenser water 4.9_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Chilled Water 6.0_ISMRE_ 6.0_ISMRE_ Air source heat pump
(heating mode)– 2.7_ISCOP_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground source, closed loop 4.8_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground-water source 5.0_ISMRE_ 5.0_ISMRE_ Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Water source 4.0_ISMRE_ 4.0_ISMRE_ Water source heat pump
(heating mode)Ground source, closed loop 2.0_ISCOP_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(heating mode)Ground-water source 3.2_ISCOP_ 3.2_ISCOP_ Water source heat pump
(heating mode)Water source 3.5_ISCOP_ 3.5_ISCOP_ TABLE E 503.7.1(14) ELECTRICALLY OPERATED DX-DOAS UNITS, SINGLE-PACKAGE AND REMOTE CONDENSER, WITH ENERGY RECOVERY—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-14]
TABLE E 503.7.1(13) ELECTRICALLY OPERATED DX-DOAS UNITS, SINGLE-PACKAGE AND REMOTE CONDENSER, WITHOUT ENERGY RECOVERY—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-13]
EQUIPMENT TYPE SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION MINIMUM EFFICIENCY TEST PROCEDURE Air cooled
(dehumidification mode)– 5.2_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Air source heat pumps
(dehumidification mode)– 5.2_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Cooling tower condenser water 5.3_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Chilled Water 6.6_ISMRE_ 6.6_ISMRE_ Air source heat pump
(heating mode)– 3.3_ISCOP_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground source, closed loop 5.2_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground-water source 5.8_ISMRE_ 5.8_ISMRE_ Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Water source 4.8_ISMRE_ 4.8_ISMRE_ Water source heat pump
(heating mode)Ground source, closed loop 3. CMC § 90.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-14]
TABLE E 503.7.1(13) ELECTRICALLY OPERATED DX-DOAS UNITS, SINGLE-PACKAGE AND REMOTE CONDENSER, WITHOUT ENERGY RECOVERY—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-13]
EQUIPMENT TYPE SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION MINIMUM EFFICIENCY TEST PROCEDURE Air cooled
(dehumidification mode)– 5.2_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Air source heat pumps
(dehumidification mode)– 5.2_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Cooling tower condenser water 5.3_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Chilled Water 6.6_ISMRE_ 6.6_ISMRE_ Air source heat pump
(heating mode)– 3.3_ISCOP_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground source, closed loop 5.2_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground-water source 5.8_ISMRE_ 5.8_ISMRE_ Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Water source 4.8_ISMRE_ 4.8_ISMRE_ Water source heat pump
(heating mode)Ground source, closed loop 3.8_ISCOP_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(heating mode)Ground-water source 4.0_ISCOP_ 4.0_ISCOP_ Water source heat pump
(heating mode)Water source 4.8_ISCOP_ 4.8_ISCOP_ 468 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
APPENDIX E
TABLE E 503.7.1(15) ELECTRICALLY OPERATED WATER-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS [2]
[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-15]
EQUIPMENT TYPE SIZE CATEGORY HEATING
SECTION TYPESUBCATEGORY OR
RATING CONDITIONMINIMUM EFFICIENCY TEST PROCEDURE1 Water-to-air, water loop
(cooling mode)<17 000 Btu/h All 86°F entering water 12.2_EER_ ISO 13256-1 Water-to-air, water loop
(cooling mode)≥17 000 Btu/h and
<65 000 Btu/h≥17 000 Btu/h and
<65 000 Btu/h≥17 000 Btu/h and
<65 000 Btu/h13.0_EER_ 13.0_EER_ Water-to-air, CMC § 120.8 Medium relevance — show source text
8, 120.8(a), 120.8(d) Supply 140.4(e)1, 140.4(f)2, 170.2(c)4C, D, O Temperature 140.4(b)2, 140.4(b)3, 140.4(j), 150.0(h), 160.3(b)2, 170.2(c)2, 170.2(c)4H Ventilation 120.1(d), 120.6(c)7, 160.2(b)2A, 160.2(c)5 Wattage 120.6(c), 120.6(d)3, 120.6(j)3, 120.9(b), 140.4(k)6, 160.4(e)2, 170.2(c)4I Zone 140.4(d), 170.2(c)4B Designated Efficiency 120.1(c)1B, 150.0(m)12C, 160.2(b)1C, 160.2(c)1B Designated Solar Zone 110.10(b)1A, 110.10(b)1B Diagnostic Evaluation 140.3(a)9, 141.0(b)2Q Diagnostic Testing 10-103(a)5, 110.1(c), 120.4(g)1, 141.0(b)2D, 141.0(b)2E, 150.0(m)1, 150.0(m)11, 150.0(m)13, 150.0(o), 150.1(c)7, 150.1(c)9, 150.1(c)10, 150.2(b)1D, 150.2(b)1E, 150.2(b)1F, 150.2(b)1M, 160.2(a)1, 160.2(b)2B, 160.3(b)5, 160.3(c)2H, 170.2(c)3B, 180.1(b)3, 180.2(b)2, 180.2(b)5 Differential Pressure 140.4(k)6, 170.2(c)4I Dimming Controls 150.0(k)2, 160.5(a)2 Direct Digital Control (DDC) 110.12(b), 120.1(d), 120.2(b), 120.2(e), 120.2(i), 120.2(j), 120.2(k), 140.4(c)2, 140.4(d), 140.4(k)6, 160.3(a)2, 170.2(c)4A, B, I Direct Expansion (DX) 140.4(a), 140.4(e)2, 140.4(m), 170.2(c)4K Direct Expansion (DX) Unit Requirements for Cooling Stages and Compressor Displacement Table 140.4-H, Table 170.2-H Direct Sunlight 130.1(d), 140.3(a)6E, 140.3(d), 140.4(e)2D, 150.1(c)4, 160.5(b)4D, 170.2(a)3B, 170.2(c)4C Directional Inlets 110.4(b) Directory 110.0(b), 110.1(b), 150.
CMC § 0.4719 Medium relevance — show source text
1 cubic foot per minute = 0.4719 L/s
508.5.1.4 Medium-Duty Cooking Appliances. The minimum net airflow for hoods used for cooking appliances such as electric and gas hot-top ranges, gas open-burner ranges (with or without oven), elec
TYPE OF HOOD AIRFLOW (cubic foot per minute
per linear foot of hood)
Backshelf/pass-over300
Double island canopy (per side)300
Eyebrow250
Single island canopy500
Wall-mounted canopy300 TABLE 508.5.1.5
LIGHT-DUTY COOKING APPLIANCE AIRFLOW
TYPE OF HOOD AIRFLOW (cubic foot per minute
per linear foot of hood)
Backshelf/pass-over250 Double island canopy (per side) 250
Eyebrow250
Single island canopy400
Wall-mounted canopy200 For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.0283 m [3] /min,
1 cubic foot per minute = 0.4719 L/s
508.5.2 Noncanopy-Type Hoods. Noncanopy-type commercial cooking hoods shall be installed and sized in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instruc tions, and Section 508.5.2.1 and Section 508.5.2.2.
Exception: Listed hood assemblies designed and installed specifically for the intended use.
tric and gas flat griddles, electric and gas doublesided griddles, electric and gas fryers (including open deep fat fryers, donut fryers, kettle fryers, tortilla chip fryers, and pressure fryers), electric and gas smokers, and electric and gas conveyor pizza ovens shall be in accordance with Table 508.5.1.4.
TABLE 508.5.1.4
MEDIUM-DUTY COOKING APPLIANCE AIRFLOW
For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.0283 m [3] /min,
508.5.1.5 Light-Duty Cooking Appliances. The minimum net airflow for hoods used for cooking appliances such as gas and electric ovens (including standard, bake, roasting, revolving, retherm, convection, combination convection/steamer, rotisserie, countertop conveyorized baking/finishing, deck, and pastry), discrete element ranges (with or without oven), electric and gas steam-jacketed kettles less than 20 gallons (76 L), electric and gas pasta cookers, electric and gas compartment steamers (both pressure and atmospheric), electric and gas cheese melters, electric and gas tilting skillets (braising pans) electric and gas rotisseries, and electric and gas salamanders shall be in accordance with Table 508.5.1.5.
TABLE 508.5.1.4
MEDIUM-DUTY COOKING APPLIANCE AIRFLOW
For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.0283 m [3] /min,
CMC § 140.9 Medium relevance — show source text
9(c)3B Fume Hood Intensive Laboratories 140.9(c)4, Table 140.9-D Function 110.2(a)3, 110.9(b)1D, 110.12(a), 110.12(c)1, 120.8(b)3, 120.8(f)4, 130.1(c)6D, 130.1(f), 141.0(b)2I, 160.5(b)4C, 160.5(b)4F, 180.3(b)4B Function Areas 120.6(g)1, 120.8, 130.1(c)1C, 130.1(c)3B, 130.1(c), 140.6(a)3D, 140.6(c)2AB, 140.6(c)2G, 140.6(c)3A, 140.6(c)3F, 140.6(c)3, 170.2(e)4 Functional Areas 160.5, 130.0(b) Functional Performance Testing 120.8(a)6, 120.8(g) Furnace Installation 150.0(h)4A, 160.3(b)4A Furnace Output 150.0(h)1 Future 240V Use 150.0(n)1, 150.0(t)2, 150.0(u)2, 150.0(v)2, 160.4(a)1B, 160.9(a)2, 160.9(b)2, 160.9(c)
G
Gas Bypass 140.4(e)3B, 170.2(c)4C Cooler efficiency 120.6(a)8H, 120.6(b)5H Cooler pressure 120.6(a)8E-F, 120.6(b)5E-F Fired furnace 110.2(d), Table 110.2-I, Table 110.2-J Furnace 150.0(m)13, 150.1(c)10, 160.3(b)5L, 170.2(c)3B Heater 110.4(b)2 Log 150.0(e), 160.1(f) Or propane 100.2, 150.0(n)1, 150.0(t-v), 150.1(c)8, 150.2(a)1D, 150.2(b)1H, 160.4(a), 160.9, 170.2(d)1C, 170.2(d)3, 180.2(b)3C Service water heating 140.5(c), 141.0(a)2, 170.2(d)3A Supply 160.4(a)4 Water heater 140.5(c), 150.0(n), 170.2(d)3 Gas- and Oil-fired Boilers, Minimum Efficiency Requirements Table 110.2-J Gasket 110.7, 120.1(c)1D, 150.0(a)3, 150.0(k)1C, 150.0(m)12B, 160.1(a)1B, 160.2(b)1B, 160.2(c)1D, 160.5(a)1C Geometry 140.3(a)6E, 141.0(b)3D2, 150.
CMC § 420.6.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Exception: Spaces having a direct exit to a public way.
420.6.2 Refuge area. Refuge areas shall be provided within each smoke compartment. The size of the refuge area shall accommodate the occupants and care recipients from the adjoining smoke compartment. Where a smoke compartment is adjoined by two or more smoke compartments, the minimum area of the refuge area shall accommodate the largest occupant load of the adjoining compartments. The size of the refuge area shall provide the following:
- Not less than 15 net square feet (1.4 m [2] ) for each care recipient.
- Not less than 6 net square feet (0.56 m [2] ) for other occupants.
Areas or spaces permitted to be included in the calculation of the refuge area are corridors, lounge or dining areas and other low-hazard areas.
420.7 Reserved.
420.8 Reserved.
420.9 Domestic cooking appliances. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, installation of cooking appliance used in domestic cooking facilities shall comply with all of the following:
- The types of cooking appliances permitted shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers and microwaves.
- Domestic cooking hoods installed and constructed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code shall be provided over cooktops or ranges.
- Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.15.
- A shutoff for the fuel and electrical supply to the cooking equipment shall be provided in a location to which only staff has
access.
A timer shall be provided that automatically deactivates the cooking appliances within a period of not more than 120 minutes.
A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 906 and the extinguisher shall be located within a 30-foot (9144 mm) distance of travel from each domestic cooking appliance.
Exceptions:
- Cooking facilities provided within care recipients’ individual dwelling units are not required to comply with this section.
- Cooktops and ranges used for care-recipient training or nutritional counseling are not required to comply with Item 3 of this section.
420.10 Group R cooking facilities. In Group R occupancies, cooking appliances used for domestic cooking operations shall be in accordance with the California Mechanical Code .
420.11 Group R-2 dormitory cooking facilities. Domestic cooking appliances for use by residents of Group R-2 college dormitories shall be in accordance with Sections 420.11.1 and 420.11.2.
420.11.1 Cooking appliances. Where located in Group R-2 college dormitories, domestic cooking appliances for use by residents shall be in compliance with all of the following:
The types of domestic cooking appliances shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers, coffee makers and microwaves.
Domestic cooking appliances shall be limited to approved locations.
Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.15.
Cooktops and ranges shall be provided with a domestic cooking hood installed and constructed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code . Kitchen range hoods shall also be rated for sound and meet field verification requirements in the California Energy Code for low-rise and high-rise residential buildings.
420.11.2 Cooking appliances in sleeping rooms. Cooktops, ranges and ovens shall not be installed or used in sleeping rooms.
CMC § 503.7.1 Medium relevance — show source text
3 Equipment class designations consist of a combination (in sequential order separated by periods (AAA).(BB).(C)) of the following: a. (AAA)—An equipment family code (VOP = vertical open, SVO = semivertical open, HZO = horizontal open, VCT = vertical closed transparent doors, VCS = vertical closed solid doors, HCT = horizontal closed transparent doors, HCS = horizontal closed solid doors, and SOC = service over counter); b. (BB)—An operating mode code (RC = remote condensing and SC = self-contained); and c. (C)—A rating temperature code [M = medium temperature (38°F), L = low temperature (0°F), or I = ice cream temperature (–15°F)]. For example, “VOP.RC.M” refers to the “vertical open, remote condensing, medium temperature” equipment class. 4 V is the volume of the case (ft 3 ) as measured in AHRI 1200, Appendix C. 5 TDA is the total display area of the case (ft 2 ) as measured in AHRI 1200, Appendix D.
2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 467
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APPENDIX E
TABLE E 503.7.1(12) VAPOR COMPRESSION BASED INDOOR POOL DEHUMIDIFIERS—MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
[ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.8.1-12]
EQUIPMENT TYPE SUBCATEGORY OR RATING CONDITION MINIMUM EFFICIENCY TEST PROCEDURE Single package indoor
(with or without economizer)Rating Conditions: A or C 3.5_MRE_ AHRI 910 Single package indoor water-cooled
(with or without economizer)Rating Conditions: A, B, or C 3.5_MRE_ 3.5_MRE_ Single package indoor air-cooled
(with or without economizer)Single package indoor air-cooled
(with or without economizer)3.5_MRE_ 3.5_MRE_ Split system indoor air-cooled
(with or without economizer)Split system indoor air-cooled
(with or without economizer)3.5_MRE_ 3.5_MRE_ EQUIPMENT TYPE SUBCATEGORY OR CONDITION MINIMUM EFFICIENCY TEST PROCEDURE Air cooled
(dehumidification mode)– 4.0_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Air source heat pumps
(dehumidification mode)– 4.0_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Cooling tower condenser water 4.9_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water cooled
(dehumidification mode)Chilled Water 6.0_ISMRE_ 6.0_ISMRE_ Air source heat pump
(heating mode)– 2.7_ISCOP_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground source, closed loop 4.8_ISMRE_ AHRI 920 Water source heat pump
(dehumidification mode)Ground-water source 5.0_ISMRE_ 5. CMC § 110.2 Medium relevance — show source text
ranges:
- Minimum Leaving Evaporator Fluid Temperature: 36°F - Maximum Leaving Condenser Fluid Temperature: 115°F - LIFT ≥ 20°F and ≤ 80°FCentrifugal chillers designed to operate outside of these ranges are not covered by this exception.
Exception 2 to Section 110.2(a): Positive displacement (air-cooled and water-cooled) chillers with a leaving evaporator fluid temperature higher than 32°F shall show compliance with Table 110.2-D when tested or certified with water at standard rating conditions, per the referenced test procedure.
Exception 3 to Section 110.2(a): Equipment primarily serving refrigerated warehouses or commercial refrigeration.
(b) Controls for heat pumps with supplementary heaters.
Control requirements for heat pumps with supplementary heaters in single-family residential buildings are specified in Section 150.0(h)7 and Section 150.0(i)2. Heat pumps with supplementary heaters in nonresidential and multifamily buildings shall have controls:
- That prevent supplementary heater operation when the heating load can be met by the heat pump alone; and
- In which the cut-on temperature for heat pump heating is higher than the cut-on temperature for supplementary heating, and the cut-off temperature for heat pump heating is higher than the cut-off temperature for supplementary heating. Exception 1 to Section 110.2(b): The controls may allow supplementary heater operation during: A. Defrost; and
B. Transient periods such as start-ups and following room thermostat setpoint advance, if the controls provide preferential rate control, intelligent recovery, staging, ramping or another control mechanism designed to preclude the unnecessary operation of supplementary heating.
Exception 2 to Section 110.2(b): Room air-conditioner heat pumps.
40 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ALL OCCUPANCIES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
(c) Thermostats. All heating or cooling systems not controlled by a central energy management control system (EMCS) shall have a setback thermostat.
- Setback capabilities. All thermostats shall have a clock mechanism that allows the building occupant to program the temperature setpoints for at least four periods within 24 hours. Thermostats for heat pumps shall meet the requirements of Section 110.2(b).
Exception to Section 110.2(c): Gravity gas wall heaters, gravity floor heaters, gravity room heaters, noncentral electric heaters, fireplaces or decorative gas appliances, wood stoves, room air conditioners and room air-conditioner heat pumps.
(d) Gas-fired and oil-fired furnace standby loss controls. Gas-fired and oil-fired forced-air furnaces with input ratings ≥ 225,000 Btu/hr shall also have an intermittent ignition or interrupted device (IID), and have either power venting or a flue damper. A vent damper is an acceptable alternative to a flue damper for furnaces where combustion air is drawn from the conditioned space. All furnaces with input ratings ≥ 225,000 Btu/hr, including electric furnaces, that are not located within the conditioned space shall have jacket losses not exceeding 0.75 percent of the input rating.
(e) Open and closed-circuit cooling towers. All open and closed-circuit cooling tower installations shall comply with the following:
- Be equipped with conductivity controls that maximize cycles of concentration based on local water quality conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does § 920 set hood or clearance distances?
No. § 920.1–§ 920.3 require only the specified UL listing and that the appliance be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions. Hood sizing and clearance rules are found elsewhere in the CMC (see Chapter 5, Section 508 and Table 508.5.1.x).
What if an appliance is listed to a different UL standard?
If the appliance is not listed to the UL standard called out in the applicable subsection (UL 197, UL 2162, UL 896), it does not meet the requirement of that subsection and you must not rely on § 920 to justify installation. Check the appliance listing and consult the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Are manufacturer instructions always definitive?
Yes for installation: the CMC text in § 920 directs installation be in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Where the manufacturer’s instructions impose restrictions, those restrictions govern the installation.
Do wood‑fired ovens have special fire rules?
Wood‑fired refractory ovens must meet UL 2162 per § 920.2, and solid‑fuel cooking appliances are subject to additional fire‑safety rules and NFPA 96 references elsewhere in the CMC (for example, fire extinguisher and fixed‑water requirements for larger fireboxes). Consult those sections for suppression and fuel‑storage rules.
Can I install a non‑listed, site‑built solid‑fuel oven?
Site‑built solid‑fuel cooking appliances must be submitted for approval to the Authority Having Jurisdiction and be installed, operated, and maintained as approved; they are not treated the same as listed appliances. See the CMC’s solid‑fuel appliance provisions and NFPA 96 references.
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