CPC · California Plumbing Code
Approved piping materials for medical gas and medical-surgical vacuum systems
For homeowners: the California Plumbing Code requires medical gas lines to be specific hard‑drawn seamless copper types (and certain stainless steel for vacuum systems), cleaned and marked by the manufacturer, and installed only with the materials and sizes the code lists; installers must provide documentation showing compliance.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The California Plumbing Code requires that field‑installed piping for positive‑pressure medical gas systems be constructed of hard‑drawn seamless copper meeting the ASTM medical gas specification, and that medical‑surgical vacuum piping be constructed of either hard‑drawn seamless copper (several ASTM copper standards) or specified stainless‑steel materials. The precise material standards, marking, and special uses (for example when Type K copper is required) are set out in § 1318.0, § 1319.0, and § 1319.1 of the CPC. These sections also require manufacturer cleaning, capped delivery, and documentation for installed tubing.
The single most important rule: use only the tubing types and ASTM specifications listed by the code — and follow the marking, cleaning, and documentation rules in § 1318.0 and § 1319.0/1319.1.
Requirements in detail
Basic allowed materials (plain English)
- For field‑installed positive‑pressure medical gas systems, the code requires hard‑drawn seamless copper tube manufactured to the medical gas tube standard; special rules apply for high pressures and large sizes — see § 1318.4.
- For medical‑surgical vacuum systems, the code allows either hard‑drawn seamless copper (several accepted ASTM copper specifications) or stainless steel manufactured to the listed ASTM standards (including Schedule 5S pipe and fittings). See § 1319.1.
Key defined terms (first appearance bolded)
- Hard‑drawn seamless copper — the required copper tubing manufacture process for medical gas tubing as referenced in § 1318.4 and § 1319.1.
- ASTM B819 — the ASTM standard specifically titled “Seamless Copper Tube for Medical Gas Systems” (used for medical gas tubing). ASTM B88 and ASTM B280 are additional accepted copper tube standards for vacuum. ASTM A269/A312/A403 identify acceptable stainless‑steel tube/pipe and fittings for vacuum applications. See § 1318.4 and § 1319.1.
Decision table — material, use, limits, code reference
| Material / spec (bold where required) | Permitted use | Decision‑relevant limits / notes | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard‑drawn seamless copper — ASTM B819 (medical gas tube, Type L) | Positive‑pressure medical gas distribution | Default for medical gas; manufacturer marking required (blue or green) and must be delivered capped/plugged and cleaned for oxygen service per CGA G‑4.1 | § 1318.4, § 1318.5, § 1318.2 |
| Hard‑drawn seamless copper — ASTM B819 (Type K) | Medical gas when operating pressure > 185 psi and pipe sizes larger than DN80 (NPS 3; 3 1/8" O.D.) | Use Type K specifically for high pressure / large diameters per the code | § 1318.4 |
| Hard‑drawn seamless copper — ASTM B88 (Type K/L/M) or ASTM B280 (ACR) | Medical‑surgical vacuum piping (acceptable copper standards) | Copper ACR and B88 types K/L/M are permitted for vacuum systems | § 1319.1(1)(a)/(b) |
| Stainless steel tubing/pipe — ASTM A269 TP304L/316L; ASTM A312 TP304L/316L; ASTM A312 Schedule 5S & ASTM A403 WP304L/316L fittings (Schedule 5S) | Medical‑surgical vacuum piping | Stainless options permitted for vacuum systems when meeting these ASTM specs and schedule | § 1319.1(2)/(c) |
| Any tubing or fittings handling oxygen / nitrous oxide | All systems handling oxygen or nitrous oxide | Materials must be compatible with oxygen (and with cryogenic temps if applicable); portions >350 psi prohibit polymeric interconnect hose per general materials rules | § 1318.2, § 1307.4 |
Marking, cleaning, delivery and documentation (important operational requirements)
- Tubes, valves, fittings, station outlets and other components must be cleaned for oxygen service by the manufacturer in accordance with CGA G‑4.1 (cleaning requirement) — § 1318.2.
- Each length of tube shall be delivered plugged or capped and kept sealed until installation; fittings and components shall be delivered sealed and labeled — § 1318.3.
- Manufacturer markings: ASTM B819 medical gas tube must be identified by manufacturer markings such as “OXY,” “MED,” “OXY/MED,” etc., in specific colors — § 1318.5.
- Documentation: The installer must furnish documentation certifying that installed piping materials comply with the cleaning and material requirements — § 1318.6.
Special marking exception for vacuum piping
- If ASTM B819 medical gas tube is used for vacuum piping, the special marking required for medical gas tubing is not required on that tube when used for vacuum — see § 1319.1.1.
Exceptions & special cases
- Type selection by pressure/size: Type K copper is explicitly required when operating pressures are above 185 psi and pipe sizes are larger than DN80 (NPS 3 / 3 1/8" O.D.) for medical gas systems — § 1318.4.
- Vacuum source interconnections: Piping between vacuum pumps, discharge, receivers, and the vacuum source shutoff valve must comply with § 1319.0, but the code permits brass, galvanized, or black steel pipe where the vacuum equipment manufacturer specifically recommends them for those pump‑side connections — see § 1312.2(5) as related guidance.
- Marking exception for vacuum use of medical gas tube: if ASTM B819 tube (medical gas tube) is used in vacuum service, the special medical gas marking may be omitted — § 1319.1.1.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any “copper” will do — the code demands hard‑drawn seamless copper to the specified ASTM standards, not generic soft or welded copper tubing (see § 1318.4, § 1319.1).
- Failing to use Type K where required by the pressure/size rule (above 185 psi and > DN80) — a frequent oversight on large, high‑pressure mains (see § 1318.4).
- Installing tubing contaminated or unsealed — tubing must be delivered capped/plugged and cleaned for oxygen service; if contaminated prior to installation it must be re‑cleaned per the brazing/cleaning procedures (see § 1318.3, § 1318.2, and associated cleaning sections).
- Omitting installer documentation of materials and cleaning — the installer must provide certification of compliance with the cleaning/material requirements (see § 1318.6).
Worked example — selecting tubing for an oxygen main
Scenario: A hospital oxygen distribution main will operate at 200 psi gauge and the main run requires a pipe size of NPS 4 (which is larger than DN80 / NPS 3).
Step 1 — Check the CPC rule: § 1318.4 requires Type K hard‑drawn seamless copper where operating pressures are above 185 psi and pipe sizes are larger than DN80.
Step 2 — Decision: Because 200 psi > 185 psi and NPS 4 > DN80, select hard‑drawn seamless copper, ASTM B819, Type K for the main. Document the manufacturer markings and obtain the cleaning/delivery certification per § 1318.5 and § 1318.2/1318.3.
Step 3 — Installation notes: Keep lengths capped until installation, follow manufacturer cleaning and brazing/welding joining methods in later sections, and provide the installer documentation required by § 1318.6.
Related provisions
- § 1320.0 — Joints and Connections (acceptable joining methods for hard‑drawn copper and stainless steel tubing).
- § 1321.0 — Brazed Joints (requirements and procedures for brazing tube joints).
- § 1322.7 — Prohibited Joints (lists flared/compression and some push‑fit fittings that are not permitted in medical gas/vacuum distribution).
- § 1323.1.1 — Minimum mains and branches sizing (mains and branches in medical gas piping not less than DN15 (NPS 1/2); vacuum mains/branches not less than DN20 (NPS 3/4)) — relevant when choosing material and required O.D.s.
- § 1312.2(5) — Piping between vacuum pumps/receiver and source shutoff valve must comply with § 1319.0, except manufacturer‑recommended pump‑side materials (brass/galvanized/black steel) may be permitted.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Plumbing Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CPC § 5.1.10.1.7 High relevance — show source text
[NFPA 99:5.1.10.1.7]
1318.6 Documentation. The installer shall furnish documentation certifying that all installed piping materials comply with the requirements of Section 1318.2. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.1.8]
1319.0 Piping Materials for Field-Installed Medical- Surgical Vacuum Systems. 1319.1 Tubes for Medical Vacuum Systems. Piping for vacuum systems shall be constructed of any of the following:
(1) Hard-drawn seamless copper tube in accordance with the following:
(a) ASTM B88, copper tube (Type K, Type L, or Type M)
(b) ASTM B280, copper ACR tube
(c) ASTM B819, copper medical gas tubing (Type K or Type L)
(2) Stainless steel tube in accordance with the following:
(a) ASTM A269 TP304L or 316L
(b) ASTM A312 TP304L or 316L
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(c) ASTM A312 TP 304L/316L, Schedule 5S pipe, and ASTM A403 WP304L/316L, Schedule 5S fittings {NFPA 99:5.1.10.2.1}
1319.1.1 Where Not Required. If medical gas tube in accordance with ASTM B819, Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Medical Gas Systems, is used for vacuum piping, such special marking shall not be required. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.2.2.2]
1320.0 Joints and Connections.
1320.1 General. This section sets forth the requirements for pipe joint installations for a medical gas or vacuum system. 1320.2 Changes in Direction. Positive pressure patient gas systems, medical support gas systems, and vacuum systems constructed of hard-drawn seamless copper or stainless steel tubing shall have all turns, offsets, and other changes in direction made using fittings or techniques appropriate to any of the following acceptable joining methods:
(1) Brazing, as described in Section 1321.0.
(2) Welding, as described in Section 1322.1 through Section 1322.2.1.
(3) Memory metal fittings, as described in Section 1322.3.
(4) Axially swaged, elastic preload fittings, as described in Section 1322.4.
(5) Threaded, as described in Section 1322.5. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.3.1]
1320.2.1 Medical Vacuum Systems. Vacuum systems and WAGD systems fabricated from copper tubing shall be permitted to have branch connections made using mechanically formed, drilled, and extruded teebranch connections that are formed in accordance with
the tool manufacturer’s instructions. Such branch connections shall be joined by brazing, as described in Section 1321.0. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.3.3]
1321.0 Brazed Joints.
CPC § 1318.0 High relevance — show source text
1318.0 Piping Materials for Field-Installed Positive Pressure Medical Gas Systems. 1318.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to field-installed piping for the distribution of medical gas systems. 1318.2 Cleaning. Tubes, valves, fittings, station outlets, and other piping components in medical gas systems shall have been cleaned for oxygen service by the manufacturer prior to installation in accordance with the mandatory requirements of CGA G-4.1, except that fittings shall be permitted to be cleaned by a supplier or agency other than the manufacturer.
[NFPA 99:5.1.10.1.1]
Where tube ends, fittings or other components become contaminated before installation they shall be recleaned in accordance with Section 1321.8.7 and Section 1321.8.8.
1318.3 Delivery. Each length of tube shall be delivered plugged or capped by the manufacturer and kept sealed until prepared for installation. Fittings, valves, and other components shall be delivered sealed and labeled and kept sealed until prepared for installation. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.1.2, 5.1.10.1.3] 1318.4 Tubes for Medical Gas Systems. Tubes shall be hard-drawn seamless copper in accordance with ASTM B819, medical gas tube, Type L, except Type K shall be used where operating pressures are above a gauge pressure of 185 psi (1276 kPa) and the pipe sizes are larger than DN80 [(NPS 3) (3 [1] / 8 inches O.D.)]. {NFPA 99:5.1.10.1.4} 1318.5 Manufacturer Markings. ASTM B819, medical gas tube shall be identified by the manufacturer’s markings “OXY,” “MED,” “OXY/MED,” “OXY/ACR,” or “ACR/MED” in blue (Type L) or green (Type K). [NFPA 99:5.1.10.1.7]
1318.6 Documentation. The installer shall furnish documentation certifying that all installed piping materials comply with the requirements of Section 1318.2. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.1.8]
1319.0 Piping Materials for Field-Installed Medical- Surgical Vacuum Systems. 1319.1 Tubes for Medical Vacuum Systems. Piping for vacuum systems shall be constructed of any of the following:
(1) Hard-drawn seamless copper tube in accordance with the following:
(a) ASTM B88, copper tube (Type K, Type L, or Type M)
(b) ASTM B280, copper ACR tube
(c) ASTM B819, copper medical gas tubing (Type K or Type L)
(2) Stainless steel tube in accordance with the following:
(a) ASTM A269 TP304L or 316L
(b) ASTM A312 TP304L or 316L
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(c) ASTM A312 TP 304L/316L, Schedule 5S pipe, and ASTM A403 WP304L/316L, Schedule 5S fittings {NFPA 99:5.1.10.2.1}
CPC § 1314.10 High relevance — show source text
1314.10 Zone Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
1314.11 In-Line Shutoff Valves . . . . . . . . .284
1314.12 Valves for Future Connections . . .284
1315.0 Station Outlets and Inlets . . . . . . .284
1315.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.2 Required Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.3 Secondary Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.4 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.5 Threaded Outlets/Fittings . . . . . . .284
1315.6 Gas-Specific Station Outlet/Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.7 Common Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.8 Marking of Components . . . . . . . .284
1315.9 Components Not Specific to a Vacuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.10 Factory-Installed Copper Inlet Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.11 Factory-Installed Copper Outlet Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.12 Protection from Damage . . . . . . .284
1315.13 Multiple Wall Outlets/Inlets . . . . . .284
1315.14 Nonstandard Operation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.15 Post Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1316.0 Pressure and Vacuum
Indicator Locations . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1316.1 Isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1316.2 Pressure and Vacuum
Indicator Locations . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1317.0 Warning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1317.1 Category 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.0 Piping Materials for Field-Installed Positive Pressure
Medical Gas Systems . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.2 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.3 Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.4 Tubes for Medical Gas Systems . .285
1318.5 Manufacturer Markings . . . . . . . . .285
1318.6 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1319.0 Piping Materials for Field-Installed Medical-Surgical Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1319.1 Tubes for Medical Vacuum
CPC § 1322.6.1 High relevance — show source text
1322.6.1 Dielectric Fittings. Dielectric fittings that comply with the following shall be permitted only where required by the manufacturer of special medical equipment to electrically isolate the equipment from the system distribution piping:
(1) They shall be of brass or copper construction with an approved dielectric.
(2) They shall be permitted to be a union.
(3) They shall be clean for oxygen where used for medical gases and medical support gases. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.9.2]
1322.7 Prohibited Joints. The following joints shall be prohibited throughout medical gas and vacuum distribution pipeline systems:
(1) Flared and compression-type connections, including connections to station outlets and inlets, alarm devices, and other components.
(2) Other straight-threaded connections, including unions.
(3) Pipe-crimping tools used to permanently stop the flow of medical gas and vacuum piping.
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(4) Removable and nonremovable push-fit fittings that employ a quick assembly push fit connector. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.10]
1323.0 Installation of Piping and Equipment. 1323.1 Required Pipe Sizing. Piping systems shall be designed and sized to deliver the required flow rates at the utilization pressures. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.11.1.1]
1323.1.1 Mains and Branches. Mains and branches in medical gas piping systems shall be not less than DN15 (NPS [1] ⁄ 2 ) ( [5] ⁄ 8 inch O.D.) size. Mains and branches in medical-surgical vacuum systems shall be not less than DN20 (NPS [3] ⁄ 4 ) ( [7] ⁄ 8 inch O.D.) size. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.11.1.2, 5.1.10.11.1.3] 1323.1.2 Drops to Individual Stations. Drops to individual station outlets and inlets shall be not less than DN15 (NPS [1] ⁄ 2 ) ( [5] ⁄ 8 inch O.D.) size. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.11.1.4] 1323.1.3 Runouts and Connecting Tubing. Runouts to alarm panels and connecting tubing for gauges and alarm devices shall be permitted to be DN8 (NPS [1] ⁄ 4 ) ( [3] ⁄ 8 inch O.D.) size. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.11.1.5]
1323.1.4 Maximum Demand. Where the maximum demand for each medical gas or vacuum system does not exceed the values in Table 1323.1.4(1) through Table 1323.1.4(6), the size of pipe of each section of the system shall be determined in accordance with Section 1323.1.5. The size for systems beyond the range of Table 1323.1.4(1) through Table 1323.1.4(6) shall be determined in accordance with Section 1323.1.6.
CPC § 215.0 High relevance — show source text
[HCD 1 & HCD 2]**_ Listed solvent cements that do not require the use of primer with a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than or equal to 490 g/L for CPVC Cement, 510 g/L for PVC Cement, and 325 g/L for ABS Cement, as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Laboratory Methods of Analy- sis for Enforcement Samples, Method 316A. Low VOC Primer. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Primer with a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than or equal to 550 g/L, as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Manage- ment District’s Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforce- ment Samples, Method 316A.
215.0 – M –
Macerating Toilet System. A system comprised of a sump with macerating pump and with connections for a water closet and other plumbing fixtures, which is designed to accept, grind and pump wastes to an approved point of discharge. Main. The principal artery of a system of continuous piping to which branches may be connected.
Main Sewer. See Public Sewer.
Main Vent. The principal artery of the venting system to which vent branches may be connected. May. A permissive term. Medical Air. For purposes of this code, medical air is air supplied from cylinders, bulk containers, or medical air compressors or reconstituted from oxygen USP and oil-free, dry nitrogen NF. [NFPA 99:3.3.106] Medical Gas. A patient medical gas or medical support gas. (See also Patient Medical Gas and Medical Support Gas)
[NFPA 99:3.3.108]
Manifold. A device for connecting the outlets of one or more gas cylinders to the central piping system for that specific gas. [NFPA 99:3.3.103] Medical Gas System. An assembly of equipment and piping for the distribution of nonflammable medical gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, compressed air, carbon dioxide, and helium. [NFPA 99:3.3.109]
Medical Support Gas. Nitrogen or instrument air used for any medical support purpose (e.g., to remove excess moisture from instruments before further processing, or to operate medical-surgical tools, air-driven booms, pendants, or similar applications) and, if appropriate to the procedures, used in laboratories and are not respired as part of any treatment. Medical support gas falls under the general requirements for medical gases. [NFPA 99:3.3.111] Medical-Surgical Vacuum. A method used to provide a source of drainage, aspiration, and suction in order to remove body fluids from patients. [NFPA 99:3.3.112] Medical-Surgical Vacuum System. An assembly of central vacuum-producing equipment and a network of piping for patient suction in medical, medical-surgical, and waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD) applications. [NFPA 99:3.3.113] Meter. An instrument or device for recording the quantity of a product passing through a particular outlet. (See Water Code Section 516 for additional details.) Mid-Story Guide. A support designed to keep piping in alignment, located mid-way between floors or a floor and ceiling. **Mobile Home Park Sewer.
CPC § 1319.0 High relevance — show source text
(4) Vacuum receiver.
(5) Piping between the vacuum pump(s), discharge(s), receiver(s), and vacuum source shutoff valve in accordance with Section 1319.0, except brass, galvanized, or black steel pipe, which is permitted to be used as recommended by the manufacturer.
(6) Except as defined in Section 1312.2(1) through Section 1312.2(5), materials and devices used between the medical vacuum exhaust and the medical vacuum source that are permitted to be of any design or construction appropriate for the service as determined by the manufacturer.
(7) Vacuum filtration per Section 1312.4. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.1.1]
1312.3 Vacuum Receivers. Receivers for vacuum shall meet the following requirements:
(1) They shall be made of materials deemed suitable by the manufacturer.
(2) They shall comply with Section VIII.1, “Unfired Pressure Vessels,” of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
(3) They shall be capable of withstanding a gauge pressure of 60 psi (414 kPa) and 30 inch (762 mm) gauge HgV.
(4) They shall be equipped with a manual drain.
(5) They shall be of a capacity based on the technology of the pumps. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.3]
1312.4 Vacuum Filtration. Central supply systems for vacuum other than liquid ring pumps shall be provided with inlet filtration with the following characteristics:
(1) Filtration shall be at least duplex to allow one filter to be exchanged without impairing the vacuum system.
(2) Filtration shall be located on the patient side of the vacuum producer.
(3) Filters shall be efficient to 0.3 µ and 99.97 percent HEPA or better, per DOE-STD-3020.
(4) Filtration shall be sized for 100 percent of the peak calculated demand while one filter or filter bundle is iso lated.
(5) It shall be permitted to group multiple filters into bundles to achieve the required capacities.
(6) The system shall be provided with isolation valves on the source side of each filter or filter bundle and isolation valves on the patient side of each filter or filter bundle, permitting the filters to be isolated without shutting off flow to the central supply system.
(7) A means shall be available to allow the user to observe any accumulations of liquids.
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(8) A vacuum relief petcock shall be provided to allow vacuum to be relieved in the filter canister during filter replacement.
(9) Filter elements and canisters shall be permitted to be constructed of materials as deemed suitable by the manufacturer.
(10)In normal operation, one filter or filter bundle shall be isolated from the system to be available for service should a blockage in the operating filter occur or rotation of the filters be desired after filter element exchange.
[NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.4] 1312.5 Piping Arrangement and Redundancies. Piping arrangement shall be as follows:
(1) Piping shall be arranged to allow service and a continuous supply of medical-surgical vacuum in the event of a single fault failure.
CPC § 5.3.3.5 High relevance — show source text
(7) Proportioning air systems in accordance with NFPA 99.
(8) Medical-surgical vacuum systems in accordance with of NFPA 99.
(9) Waste anesthetic gas disposal systems (WAGDs) in accordance with NFPA 99.
(10)Instrument air compressor systems in accordance with NFPA 99. {NFPA 99:5.3.3.5} 1326.4 Medical–Surgical Vacuum Systems. Category 3 systems shall comply with Section 1307.3 through Section 1309.13 and Section 1312.0 through Section 1313.5, except as follows:
(1) Medical–surgical vacuum systems shall be permitted to be simplex.
(2) The facility staff shall develop an emergency plan to deal with the loss of medical–surgical vacuum.
(3) Emergency electrical service shall conform to the requirements of Section 6.6 of NFPA 99 and NFPA 70.
[NFPA 99:5.3.3.7]
1326.5 Valves. Category 3 systems shall comply with Section 1314.0. [NFPA 99:5.3.4]
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(2) The alarm panel shall be located in an area of continuous surveillance while the facility is in operation.
(3) Pressure and vacuum switches/sensors shall be mounted at the source equipment with a pressure indicator at the master alarm panel.
(4) Warning systems for medical gas systems shall provide the following alarms:
(a) Oxygen main line pressure low.
(b) Oxygen main line pressure high.
(c) Oxygen changeover to secondary bank or about to changeover (if automatic).
(d) Nitrous oxide main line pressure low.
(e) Nitrous oxide main line pressure high.
(f) Nitrous oxide changeover to secondary bank or about to changeover (if automatic).
(5) Audible and noncancelable alarm visual signals shall indicate if the pressure in the main line increases or decreases 20 percent from the normal operating pressure.
(6) Visual indications shall remain until the situation that caused the alarm is resolved.
(7) Pressure switches/sensors shall be installed downstream of any emergency shutoff valves and any other shutoff valves in the system and shall cause an alarm for the medical gas if the pressure decreases or increases 20 percent from the normal operating pressure.
(8) A cancelable audible indication of each alarm condition that produces a sound at the alarm panel shall reinitiate the audible signal if another alarm condition occurs while the audible signal is silenced. [NFPA 99:15.4.2.10]
1327.4 Initial Pressure Test. Each section of the piping in positive-pressure gas systems and copper vacuum systems shall be pressure tested. Plastic vacuum and plastic scavenging piping shall not be pressure tested. [NFPA 99:15.4.7.4.4.1]
1327.4.1 Pressure Test. Initial pressure tests shall be conducted as follows:
(1) After blowdown of the distribution piping
(2) After installation of station outlet/inlet rough-in assemblies
CPC § 0.3 High relevance — show source text
(3) Filters shall be efficient to 0.3 µ and 99.97 percent HEPA or better, per DOE-STD-3020.
(4) Filtration shall be sized for 100 percent of the peak calculated demand while one filter or filter bundle is iso lated.
(5) It shall be permitted to group multiple filters into bundles to achieve the required capacities.
(6) The system shall be provided with isolation valves on the source side of each filter or filter bundle and isolation valves on the patient side of each filter or filter bundle, permitting the filters to be isolated without shutting off flow to the central supply system.
(7) A means shall be available to allow the user to observe any accumulations of liquids.
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(8) A vacuum relief petcock shall be provided to allow vacuum to be relieved in the filter canister during filter replacement.
(9) Filter elements and canisters shall be permitted to be constructed of materials as deemed suitable by the manufacturer.
(10)In normal operation, one filter or filter bundle shall be isolated from the system to be available for service should a blockage in the operating filter occur or rotation of the filters be desired after filter element exchange.
[NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.4] 1312.5 Piping Arrangement and Redundancies. Piping arrangement shall be as follows:
(1) Piping shall be arranged to allow service and a continuous supply of medical-surgical vacuum in the event of a single fault failure.
(2) Piping arrangement shall be permitted to vary based on the technology(ies) employed, provided that an equal level of operating redundancy is maintained.
(3) Where only one set of vacuum pumps is available for a combined medical-surgical vacuum system and an analysis, a research, or a teaching laboratory vacuum system, such laboratories shall be connected separately from the medical-surgical system directly to the receiver tank through its own isolation valve and fluid trap located at the receiver, and between the isolation valve and fluid trap, a scrubber shall be permitted to be installed. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.5, 5.1.3.7.5.1] 1312.6 Piping Serviceability. The medical-surgical vacuum receiver(s) shall be serviceable without shutting down the medical-surgical vacuum system by any method to ensure continuation of service to the facility’s medical-surgical pipeline distribution system. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.5.2] 1312.7 Shutoff Valve. Medical-surgical vacuum central supply systems shall be provided with a source shutoff valve per Section 1314.6. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.5.3]
1313.0 Medical-Surgical Vacuum Exhaust. 1313.1 Vacuum Source Exhausts. The medical-surgical vacuum pumps shall exhaust in a manner and location that minimizes the hazards of noise and contamination to the facility and its environment. [NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.7.1]
1313.2 Location. The exhaust shall be located as follows:
(1) Outdoors.
CPC § 1315.14 High relevance — show source text
1315.14 Nonstandard Operation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1315.15 Post Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1316.0 Pressure and Vacuum
Indicator Locations . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1316.1 Isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1316.2 Pressure and Vacuum
Indicator Locations . . . . . . . . . . . .284
1317.0 Warning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1317.1 Category 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.0 Piping Materials for Field-Installed Positive Pressure
Medical Gas Systems . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.2 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.3 Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1318.4 Tubes for Medical Gas Systems . .285
1318.5 Manufacturer Markings . . . . . . . . .285
1318.6 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1319.0 Piping Materials for Field-Installed Medical-Surgical Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1319.1 Tubes for Medical Vacuum
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
1320.0 Joints and Connections . . . . . . . .286
1320.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
1320.2 Changes in Direction . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.0 Brazed Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.1 Brazed Joints and Fittings . . . . . .286
1321.2 Tube Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.3 Filler Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.4 Copper-to-Copper Joints . . . . . . .286
1321.5 Accessible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.6 Purging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.7 Tube Ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.8 Cleaning Procedures . . . . . . . . . .286
1321.9 Brazing Dissimilar Metals . . . . . . .287
1321.10 Nitrogen Purge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287
1321.11 Assembling and Heating Brazed Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287
1321.12 Inspection of Brazed Joints . . . . .287
CPC § 1311.4 High relevance — show source text
1311.4 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
1311.5 Separate Compressors . . . . . . . . .281
1311.6 Screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
1312.0 Medical Surgical Vacuum Central Supply Systems . . . . . . . .281
1312.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
1312.2 Medical-Surgical Vacuum Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
1312.3 Vacuum Receivers . . . . . . . . . . . .281
1312.4 Vacuum Filtration . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
1312.5 Piping Arrangement and Redundancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1312.6 Piping Serviceability . . . . . . . . . . .282
1312.7 Shutoff Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1313.0 Medical-Surgical Vacuum Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE xli
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1313.1 Vacuum Source Exhausts . . . . . .282
1313.2 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1313.3 Screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1313.4 Dips and Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1313.5 Multiple Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1314.0 Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1314.1 Gas and Vacuum Shutoff
Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1314.2 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1314.3 Labeled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1314.4 Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
1314.5 Valve Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
Table 1314.5(1) Positive Pressure Gases . . . . . . .283
Table 1314.5(2) Vacuum and WAGD . . . . . . . . . . .283
1314.6 Source Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
1314.7 Main Line Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
1314.8 Riser Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
1314.9 Service Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283
CPC § 1304.3.1 High relevance — show source text
Approval of the plans shall be obtained before issuance of a permit by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. 1304.3.1 Requirements. Construction documents shall show the following: (1) Plot plan of the site, drawn to scale, indicating the location of existing or new cylinder storage areas, property lines, driveways, and existing or proposed buildings. (2) Piping layout of the proposed piping system or alteration, including alarms, valves, the origin of gases, user outlets, and user inlets. The demand and loading of piping, existing or future, shall also be indicated. (3) Complete specification of materials.
1304.4 Extent of Work. Construction documents submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall clearly indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and shall show in detail that such work will be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. 1304.5 Record. A record of as-built plans and valve identification records shall remain on the site.
1305.0 System Performance. 1305.1 Required Operating Pressures. Medical gas and vacuum systems shall be capable of delivering service in the pressure ranges listed in Table 1305.1.
276 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICAL VACUUM SYSTEMS
TABLE 1305.1
STANDARD DESIGNATION COLORS AND OPERATING PRESSURES FOR GAS AND VACUUM SYSTEMS
[NFPA 99: TABLE 5.1.11]
GAS SERVICE ABBREVIATED
NAMECOLORS
(BACKGROUND/ TEXT)STANDARD GAUGE
PRESSUREMedical air Med Air Yellow/black 50–55 psi Carbon dioxide CO2 Gray/black or gray/white 50–55 psi Helium He Brown/white 50–55 psi Nitrogen N2 Black/white 55–185 psi Nitrous oxide N2O Blue/white 50–55 psi Oxygen O2 Green/white or white/green 50–55 psi Oxygen/carbon dioxide mixtures O2/CO2 n% (_n _= % of CO2) Green/white 50–55 psi Medical–surgical vacuum Med Vac White/black 15 inch to 30 inch HgV Waste anesthetic gas disposal WAGD Violet/white Varies with system type Medical-surgical vacuum/
WAGD combinationMed-surg/WAGD White/black and violet/white 15 inch to 30 inch HgV Other mixtures Gas A% / Gas B% Colors as above; major gas for back-
ground/minor gas for textNone Nonmedical air and dental air –– Yellow and white diagonal stripe/black None Nonmedical vacuum and dental
vacuum–– White and black diagonal stripe/black boxed None Laboratory air –– Yellow and white checkerboard/black None Laboratory vacuum –– White and black checkerboard/black boxed None Instrument air –– Red/white 50–185 psi For SI units: 1 pound-force per square inch = 6.8947 kPa, 1 inch of mercury vacuum (HgV) = 3.386 kPa
CPC § 1323.14 High relevance — show source text
1323.14 Identification of Shutoff Valves . . .295
1323.15 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
1324.0 Performance Criteria and Testing Category 1 (Gases, Medical Surgical Vacuum) . . . . . .296
1324.1 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
1324.2 Breached Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .296
1324.3 Test Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .296
1324.4 Initial Piping Blowdown . . . . . . . . .296
1324.5 Initial Pressure Tests– Medical
Gas and Vacuum Systems . . . . . .296
Table 1324.5.11 Gas Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . .299
PART III Category 2 Piped Gas and Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.0 Category 2 Piped Gas and Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.2 Nature of Hazards of Gas
and Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . .299
1325.3 Central Supply Systems . . . . . . . .299
1325.4 Category 2 Medical Air Supply Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.5 Oxygen Concentrators . . . . . . . . .299
1325.6 Category 2 Medical-Surgical Vacuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.7 Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.8 Station Outlets and Inlets . . . . . . .299
1325.9 Pressure and Vacuum
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.10 Warning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .299
1325.11 Category 2 Distribution . . . . . . . . .299
1325.12 Labeling and Identification . . . . . .299
1325.13 Performance Criteria and Testing — Gas, Medical–Surgical Vacuum, and WAGD . . . . . . . . . . .299
PART IV Category 3 Piped Gas and Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .300
1326.0 Category 3 Piped Gas and Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .300
1326.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300
1326.2 Nature of Hazards of Gas and Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . .300
1326.3 Medical Air Supply Systems . . . . .300
1326.4 Medical–Surgical Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300
1326.5 Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300
Frequently asked questions
Can I use soldered copper (soft solder) for medical gas piping?
No. The CPC requires hard‑drawn seamless copper meeting the ASTM standards listed in § 1318.4 and § 1319.1. Consult the joints/joining sections for permitted joining methods; soft solder is not an accepted method for these systems.
If I use ASTM B819 medical gas tube for vacuum piping, do I still need the special manufacturer markings?
No — § 1319.1.1 explicitly permits omission of the special medical gas marking when ASTM B819 tube is used for vacuum piping.
Are stainless‑steel options allowed for medical gas (positive‑pressure) distribution?
The CPC text at § 1319.1 lists stainless‑steel options specifically for medical‑surgical vacuum systems. For positive‑pressure medical gas distribution the code specifies hard‑drawn seamless copper per § 1318.4; stainless for positive‑pressure medical gas is not listed in those controlling sections.
What documentation must the installer provide?
The installer must furnish documentation certifying that installed piping materials comply with the cleaning and material requirements (cleaning for oxygen service per CGA G‑4.1 and material standards) as required by § 1318.6.
Are there manufacturer‑recommended exceptions for piping directly on vacuum pumps?
Yes. Piping between vacuum pumps, discharge(s), receivers, and the vacuum source shutoff valve must comply with § 1319.0, but brass, galvanized, or black steel may be permitted for pump‑side connections if recommended by the equipment manufacturer (see § 1312.2(5)).
More in California Plumbing Code
- Administration
- Definitions
- General Regulations
- Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage (Drain, Waste, and Vent)
- Indirect Wastes
- Vents
- Traps and Interceptors
- Storm Drainage
- Fuel Gas Piping
- Health Care Facilities — Medical Gas and Medical Vacuum Systems
- Alternate Water Sources and Nonpotable Rainwater Catchment Systems
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